Simulation of Single-Phase Laser Diode Cooler

High powered laser weapons require high performance thermal management. This report examines the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of a water cooled laser diode array. It begins with a plane channel and examines how changes in geometry and flow affect the heat transfer and pressure drop performance of the cooler. The simulations show the capabilities of computational fluid dynamics CFD in single phase flow and the performance of water as a coolant 60 Wcm2. Reducing channel thickness to increase flow velocity is shown to have a minimal effect on heat transfer. Adding fins to redirect flow to impinge on the hot surface is shown to increase heat transfer coefficient and reduce surface temperature. These simulations lay the groundwork for future analysis and design for laser diode cooling simulations and experiments.