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Reference · Heat Transfer

Conduction. Convection.
Radiation.
Thermal design.

Heat transfer reference for thermal management. Conduction, convection, radiation modes. Material thermal conductivity, heat sinks, thermal interface materials.

01 · Key principles

Key principles.

Conduction

Solid heat flow

Thermal conductivity W/m·K. Copper 401, aluminum 235, steel 50.

Convection

Fluid cooling

Air natural convection h ~ 5-25 W/m²·K. Forced ~ 25-250.

Radiation

Thermal emission

Radiation per Stefan-Boltzmann. Significant at high temperature.

Thermal interface

TIM critical

TIM (thermal interface material) reduces contact resistance.

Heat sinks

Surface area

Fin area + airflow rate determines cooling capacity.

Phase change

Heat pipes

Heat pipes use evaporation/condensation for high heat flux.

FAQ

Thermal conductivity ranking?

Diamond 2200, copper 401, aluminum 235, steel 50, plastic 0.2 W/m·K.

Air vs liquid cooling?

Liquid 5-10× more capacity than air at same volume. Liquid for high-power.

Heat sink design?

Surface area dominant. Fin pitch 2-5 mm forced air, 5-10 mm natural.

Thermal interface material?

Necessary for heat sink contact. Pads, paste, phase-change materials. Lower thermal resistance.

Radiation enhancement?

Black anodize emissivity ~0.9 vs polished aluminum ~0.05. Big improvement at high temp.

Heat pipe vs solid?

Heat pipe ~5000 W/m·K equivalent vs copper 401 W/m·K. 10× better for spreading.

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