Heat transfer performance of compact TPMS lattice heat sinks via metal additive manufacturing

Nature-inspired triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattices serve as exemplary models for advanced thermal management strategies. Their intricate geometric and topological configurations enhance surface area, porosity, and smooth curved walls, optimizing thermal performance across diverse applications. These attributes render TPMS structures exceptionally effective in augmenting heat sink performance within a constrained volume, outperforming conventional designs such as pin fin heat sinks. The present study evaluates the thermal performance of five L-PBF manufactured TPMS heat sinks (Gyroid, Diamond, Schwarz, Lidinoid, and Split P) relative to conventional pin–fin heat sinks of equivalent volume. The investigation focuses on the effect of unit cell sizes and periodicity on thermal performance, providing deeper insights into heat transfer mechanisms in TPMS-based structures. To accurately replicate the thermal characteristics, both numerical simulations and experimental testing were conducted. A customized testing system was developed to assess A20X aluminum heat sinks, revealing uniform heat flow across the lattice samples. Overall, this study indicates potential for improved heat transfer and validates the superior performance of TPMS heat sinks over traditional designs.