On the application of topology optimisation techniques to thermal management of microelectronics systems

In this paper, an autonomous thermal management design process based on a topological optimisation algorithm is presented. The numerical framework uses a finite element multiphysics solver to assess fluid flow and heat transfer, coupled with the Method of Moving Asymptotes approach for topology optimisation. The design framework is utilised to develop a copper heatsink for a simplified electronics package at two differing Reynolds numbers. In both cases, the final shape resembles a tree like structure rather than a more conventional fin structure.