Automatic design of heat sink using genetic algorithms, Lindenmayer systems and digital image processing

This paper shows the results of the automatic design of a generic heat sink, through a morphogenesis algorithm done in Matlab. This algorithm is based on two-dimensional fractal images, generated by Lindenmayer systems, which create the heat sink shape. Those shapes iteratively evolve through a genetic algorithm in order to maximize their heat dissipation capability, estimating it through measurements of their surface and volume. Evaluation process was supported by image processing algorithms. Finally finite elements simulations are carried out in order to determine the real heat dissipation capability of each design and thus obtaining some valid heat sink shapes.