{"id":66430,"date":"2025-06-20T06:12:06","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T10:12:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/?p=66430"},"modified":"2026-03-26T06:47:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T10:47:11","slug":"the-cool-factor-additive-manufacturing-is-redefining-cold-plate-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/the-cool-factor-additive-manufacturing-is-redefining-cold-plate-design\/","title":{"rendered":"The cool factor:  Additive manufacturing is redefining cold plate design"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Have you come across <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fabric8labs.com\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ECAM technology<\/a> before? Short for Electrochemical Additive Manufacturing, ECAM is a room-temperature 3D metal printing method that produces complex, high-purity parts without the need for post-processing. By enabling exceptional precision and cost-efficiency, it opens the door to innovative design possibilities in thermal management systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before diving into our project, it is worth highlighting a real-world example that shows why an effective cold plate design matters. In 2018, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goes-r.gov\/users\/GOES-17-ABI-Performance.html#ExamplesOfDegradedImagery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GOES-17 weather satellite<\/a> experienced critical overheating due to a blockage in its thermal system. This led to a loss of infrared imaging, which is a major issue for weather forecasting. It is a reminder that a reliable and optimized design is important to prevent mission-critical failures. In this blog, we\u2019ll explore how we applied ECAM technology by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fabric8labs.com\/about\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.fabric8labs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fabric8Labs<\/a> and Simcenter CFD simulation software technology to push the boundaries of conventional cold plate design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Competition:  ASME K-16 and IEEE EPS Student Cold Plate Design Challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This year, we, Siemens Digital Industries Software Nottingham interns for 2024\/25, took part in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ieee-itherm.net\/cold-plate-competition-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ASME K-16 and IEEE EPS Student Cold Plate Design Challenge<\/a>. Our goal was to explore how additive manufacturing could push the boundaries of traditional cold plate design. Using Simcenter CFD solutions, we modeled and simulated six CAD concepts, evaluating them based on three key performance factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>thermal resistance <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pressure drop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>mass<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Four teams, including ours, were selected as finalists. We had the opportunity to manufacture our pure copper designs in collaboration with Fabric8Labs and present our results in front of academic and industry leaders at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ieee-itherm.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IEEE ITherm 2025<\/a> conference in Dallas, Texas. This experience was both technically challenging and incredibly rewarding, allowing us to contribute meaningfully to real-world thermal engineering research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cold plate concept designs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We began by generating six concept models in CAD, which were then simulated using CFD to assess their performance. This helped us to identify the most promising design to refine and optimize for the final submission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd60e9b8e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1074\" height=\"727\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"66460\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-1-CAD.png\" alt=\"Snowflake model\" class=\"wp-image-66460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-1-CAD.png 1074w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-1-CAD-600x406.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-1-CAD-1024x693.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-1-CAD-768x520.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-1-CAD-900x609.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1074px) 100vw, 1074px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Design 1:  Snowflake model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd60ea6b4&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1032\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"66512\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-2-CAD.png\" alt=\"Honeycomb Model\" class=\"wp-image-66512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-2-CAD.png 1032w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-2-CAD-600x465.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-2-CAD-1024x794.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-2-CAD-768x595.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-2-CAD-900x698.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1032px) 100vw, 1032px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Design 2: Honeycomb model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd60eb319&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1054\" height=\"715\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"66527\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-4-CAD.png\" alt=\"Standard plane fin model\" class=\"wp-image-66527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-4-CAD.png 1054w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-4-CAD-600x407.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-4-CAD-1024x695.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-4-CAD-768x521.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-4-CAD-900x611.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1054px) 100vw, 1054px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Design 3: Standard plane fin model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd60ebc0b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1208\" height=\"772\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"66528\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-3-CAD.png\" alt=\"Chain model\" class=\"wp-image-66528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-3-CAD.png 1208w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-3-CAD-600x383.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-3-CAD-1024x654.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-3-CAD-768x491.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-2-Design-3-CAD-900x575.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1208px) 100vw, 1208px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Design 4: Chain model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd60eca9f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"998\" height=\"634\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"66510\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-3-Design-5-CAD.png\" alt=\"Alternating wave model\" class=\"wp-image-66510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-3-Design-5-CAD.png 998w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-3-Design-5-CAD-600x381.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-3-Design-5-CAD-768x488.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-3-Design-5-CAD-900x572.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 998px) 100vw, 998px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Design 5:  Alternating wave model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd60ed475&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"817\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"66462\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-3-Design-6-CAD.png\" alt=\"Pyramidal Kagome lattice model\" class=\"wp-image-66462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-3-Design-6-CAD.png 1064w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-3-Design-6-CAD-600x461.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-3-Design-6-CAD-1024x786.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-3-Design-6-CAD-768x590.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-3-Design-6-CAD-900x691.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1064px) 100vw, 1064px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Design 6: Pyramidal Kagome lattice model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CFD simulation of cold plate design options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Early CFD simulations of cold plate Design 1 and Design 2 showed significantly lower Figure of Merit (FoM). This was due to high pressure losses across the cold plate, which were traced back to abrupt changes in geometry near the inlet. These sharp transitions caused flow recirculation, where the fluid swirls or reverses direction, leading to the formation of vortices and disrupting smooth downstream flow. Such flow instability reduced thermal performance and increased energy loss, making these designs less viable for further development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd60ef26d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"781\" height=\"589\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"66552\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-153959.png\" alt=\"CFD study of a cold plate design 1 using Simcenter CFD simulation software toolsets for ASME K-16 and IEEE EPS Student Cold Plate Design Challenge.\" class=\"wp-image-66552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-153959.png 781w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-153959-600x452.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-153959-768x579.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 781px) 100vw, 781px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Design 1:  Snowflake model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd60efc62&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"66557\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-155132.png\" alt=\"CFD study of a cold plate design 2 using Simcenter CFD simulation software toolsets for ASME K-16 and IEEE EPS Student Cold Plate Design Challenge.\" class=\"wp-image-66557\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-155132.png 720w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-155132-600x450.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Design 2:  Honeycomb model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd60f1cd2&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"771\" height=\"574\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"66555\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-154632.png\" alt=\"2025 CFD study of a cold plate design option 3 using Simcenter CFD simulation software toolsets for ASME K-16 and IEEE EPS Student Cold Plate Design Challenge.\" class=\"wp-image-66555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-154632.png 771w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-154632-600x447.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-154632-768x572.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 771px) 100vw, 771px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Design 3:  Standard plane fin model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Designs 4 and 5 achieved lower temperatures and reduced mass, but these advantages were offset by a slight increase in pressure loss. This highlighted the critical role of maintaining smooth fluid flow throughout the cold plate. While both designs outperformed the reference model in terms of FoM, the performance gain was small. Given the complexity and cost of additive manufacturing, the marginal improvement did not justify the additive manufacturing effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd60f3e52&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"809\" height=\"578\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"66556\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-154950.png\" alt=\"2025 CFD study of a cold plate design option 4 using Simcenter CFD simulation software toolsets for ASME K-16 and IEEE EPS Student Cold Plate Design Challenge.\" class=\"wp-image-66556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-154950.png 809w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-154950-600x429.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-154950-768x549.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 809px) 100vw, 809px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Design 4:  Chain model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd6100ddd&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"774\" height=\"564\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"66559\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-155534.png\" alt=\"2025 CFD study of a cold plate design option 5 using Simcenter CFD simulation software toolsets for ASME K-16 and IEEE EPS Student Cold Plate Design Challenge.\" class=\"wp-image-66559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-155534.png 774w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-155534-600x437.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-155534-768x560.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 774px) 100vw, 774px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Design 5:  Alternating wave model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd6101aca&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"775\" height=\"564\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"66558\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-155241.png\" alt=\"2025 CFD study of a cold plate design option 6 using Simcenter CFD simulation software toolsets for ASME K-16 and IEEE EPS Student Cold Plate Design Challenge.\" class=\"wp-image-66558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-155241.png 775w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-155241-600x437.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-155241-768x559.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 775px) 100vw, 775px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Design 6: Pyramidal Kagome lattice model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After comparing the FoM results from all initial simulations, the pyramidal Kagome lattice model appeared as the most balanced design in terms of thermal resistance, pressure drop and mass. When benchmarked against a conventional plane fin model, the Kagome design achieved an FoM that was 11.39% higher at inlet mass flow rate 1.85 L\/min. This significant performance improvement made it the obvious choice for further development and optimization.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd61043cd&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"822\" height=\"376\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-153534.png\" alt=\"Comparing Figure of Merit studies for 6 cold plate design options for an additively manfuactured cold plate ASME competiiton, Figure of merit based on thermal resistance (Rth), pressure drop (delta P), and mass \" class=\"wp-image-66551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-153534.png 822w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-153534-600x274.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-153534-768x351.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 822px) 100vw, 822px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">*Figure of Merit was calculated based on thermal resistance (40%), pressure drop (30%) and mass (30%) of the cold plate to select the best designs among all of the initial concepts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why this type of design?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"354\" height=\"355\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-7-Kagome-Basket-Photo.jpg\" alt=\"Kagome Basket Photo\" class=\"wp-image-66457 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-7-Kagome-Basket-Photo.jpg 354w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-7-Kagome-Basket-Photo-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 354px) 100vw, 354px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>The pyramidal Kagome lattice model was not just chosen for its high FoM, it also highlights the potential of additive manufacturing. It was inspired by the Japanese basket-weaving patterns and tree-like biomimicry structures often used in architecture. It offers a highly efficient cooling solution by minimizing pressure loss, thermal resistance and mass, three critical factors for an optimal cold plate. Its intricate geometry would be difficult, if not impossible, to manufacture using conventional methods.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd61067f1&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"581\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-7-Tree-1024x581.jpg\" alt=\"Tree\" class=\"wp-image-66456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-7-Tree-1024x581.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-7-Tree-600x341.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-7-Tree-768x436.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-7-Tree-900x511.jpg 900w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-7-Tree.jpg 1180w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Biomimicry pattern inspired by the tree<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To meet the 3-mm thickness constraint, our final design included 768 individual pyramidal Kagome units, each with slanted rods positioned at a 55\u00b0 from the base plane. The rods have a radius of just 0.2 mm, staying well within the 0.1 mm minimum feature size requirement. This cooling design is a perfect fit for ECAM technology by Fabric8Labs, which can manage the intricate geometry that conventional manufacturing methods struggle to produce. Let us take a closer look in the animation below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video aligncenter\"><video controls src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Close-up-Animation-of-Cold-Plate.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike conventional plane fin designs constrained by standard geometric patterns, the Kagome lattice draws inspiration from nature to optimize fluid flow and increase heat transfer within a more compact structure. Imagine it as a lightweight skeleton that acts like a thermal superhighway!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:35%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd6107c09&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"980\" height=\"735\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-1-and-Page-8-Close-up-edited.png\" alt=\"Close up lattice model in a cold plate designed for additive manufacturing methods evaluated using CFD simulation\" class=\"wp-image-66593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-1-and-Page-8-Close-up-edited.png 980w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-1-and-Page-8-Close-up-edited-600x450.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-1-and-Page-8-Close-up-edited-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-1-and-Page-8-Close-up-edited-900x675.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 980px) 100vw, 980px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up of the lattice model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:65%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd61095b8&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"382\" height=\"154\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/VerticalRodAdded.png\" alt=\"Kagome lattice structure used in the cold plate designed for additive manufacture and subsequently analyzed using CFD simulation\" class=\"wp-image-66453\" style=\"width:540px;height:auto\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Different views of individual Kagome structure<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>After deciding to proceed with this idea, we initially arranged the lattice layers at different angles, but this showed no significant improvement. Therefore, the lattice was aligned parallel to the fluid flow, resulting in a more uniform velocity profile and a further reduction in pressure drop across the cold plate. Additionally, we added a vertical rod at the center of each Kagome structure. The intersection point generates small-scale turbulence and disrupts boundary layer growth, which enhances heat convection. Finally, adding a pyramidal base beneath the structure increases the surface area in contact with the fluid and improves overall heat conductivity. If you are wondering whether this increases the mass, you are absolutely right. However, the reduction in thermal resistance and pressure loss compensates for the tiny mass added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final cold plate design analysis using CFD simulation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>CFD analysis on the pyramidal Kagome lattice model. Our cold plate design was mated to the provided housing model, assuming the additive manufactured cold plate is made of pure copper with a thermal conductivity of 380 W\/m\u00b7K, while all other components were considered insulated. A uniform heat flux of 350 W was applied at the bottom of the plate. The water flow rate at the inlet was set to 1.85 L\/min at 20\u00b0C. A mesh refinement study was performed to ensure a level of high accuracy in results, that were be compared to experimental data later. Two of Simcenter&#8217;s CFD tools, Simcenter FLOEFD and Simcenter Flotherm XT*, both use SmartCells technology and Octree-based Cartesian automatic meshing, so in this study a finer mesh was automatically applied to the cold plate geometry and fluid regions that are more complex improving accuracy where needed, while coarser mesh was used in the surrounding domain for an efficient solve time.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd610ed5a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"945\" height=\"536\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-8_Fluid-Velocity-Plot.png\" alt=\"CFD simulation study of a cold plate visualization of results as a Fluid Velocity Plot\" class=\"wp-image-66463\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-8_Fluid-Velocity-Plot.png 945w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-8_Fluid-Velocity-Plot-600x340.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-8_Fluid-Velocity-Plot-768x436.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-8_Fluid-Velocity-Plot-900x510.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fluid velocity across the cold plate<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Fluid velocity across the cold plate can be seen above. Higher fluid velocity prevents the thermal boundary layer from growing and increases the temperature gradient, which further improves the heat transfer rate. However, this also causes higher pressure loss due to eddy currents, swirling, and recirculation. To find the optimal balance, a parametric study was conducted to identify the mass flow rate that yields the highest FoM. By analyzing the maximum case temperature at the corners, the pressure drops across the cold plate, and its mass, the final simulation was performed to calculate the FoM.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd610feb9&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1004\" height=\"641\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-9_Temp-Plot.png\" alt=\"results visualization: solid temperature plot of a cold plate and base plate simulated in CFD simulation software\" class=\"wp-image-66464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-9_Temp-Plot.png 1004w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-9_Temp-Plot-600x383.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-9_Temp-Plot-768x490.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-9_Temp-Plot-900x575.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1004px) 100vw, 1004px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Solid temperature of cold plate and base plate<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The maximum temperature on the baseplate was 37.308\u00b0C. This is because the cold plate was positioned only at the center of the baseplate for heat conduction. However, a large section of the baseplate not in direct contact with the cold plate was observed to have a lower temperature due to effective heat convection. Thanks to our open framework design, we achieved a significant reduction in mass without compromising the strength needed to withstand fluid flow. From the design of experiments, the highest FoM from the simulation was 0.74489 at a mass flow rate of 2 L\/min. Let us observe the fluid flow simulation with solid temperature and pressure visualization in the following video:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video aligncenter\"><video controls src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Fluid-Flow-Simulation-in-XT.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We decided to use the entire outlet section, promoting uniform fluid distribution and minimizing potential impingement effects, which enhances thermal spreading across the baseplate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach ensures a balance between low thermal resistance, low pressure drop, and low mass, achieving the highest FoM. Conventional designs often require sacrificing one variable for another. But with the pyramidal Kagome lattice model, we optimized all three, maximizing efficiency without significant trade-offs. This optimal balance is what gives the final design its highest FoM, 0.7449, among all our simulated designs, making it both practical and powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does this cold plate actually work? Yes!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before submitting the final design, we recognized that additive manufacturing at this scale requires precision.  So, we created a proof of concept by printing prototypes using different conventional additive manufacturing methods. Initially, we used fused deposition modelling (FDM) with PLA at a 2:1 scale, due to the minimum feature size available here was 0.4 mm. A quarter of the model was printed, limited by the printer size, in 4 hours and 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the Digital Light Processing (DLP) method, resin was used to print a full model. However, because of the minimum feature limitations, the model was scaled to 1.5:1 and printed in about an hour, followed by post-processing. These prototypes not only confirmed the manufacturability of our final design before submission but also highlighted the advantages of using ECAM technology provided by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fabric8labs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fabric8Labs<\/a>, which allowed us to print our intricate geometry without the traditional method limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why couldn\u2019t we simply mill or cast this cold plate like other parts? The answer lies in its intricacy. Traditional methods struggle with tiny features such as 0.2 mm radius rods, internal cavities, and overhangs that require support structures. ECAM technology enabled us to realize our design as intended, practical, lightweight, and structurally efficient, without compromise. Fabric8Labs also printed the copper cold plate used for actual experimental testing by Intel Corporation and S-Pack Labs.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd611456d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1401\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-10_Close-up-Flipped-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Final design \" class=\"wp-image-66516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-10_Close-up-Flipped-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-10_Close-up-Flipped-600x328.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-10_Close-up-Flipped-1024x560.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-10_Close-up-Flipped-768x420.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-10_Close-up-Flipped-1536x841.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-10_Close-up-Flipped-2048x1121.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-10_Close-up-Flipped-900x493.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">From the experimental results, our design achieved the highest FoM among the finalists, further proving its effectiveness and reliability in preventing mission-critical failure as mentioned at the start. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd6114fe1&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1503\" height=\"402\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/ExperimentalResults.jpg\" alt=\"table of results\" class=\"wp-image-66478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/ExperimentalResults.jpg 1503w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/ExperimentalResults-600x160.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/ExperimentalResults-1024x274.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/ExperimentalResults-768x205.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/ExperimentalResults-900x241.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1503px) 100vw, 1503px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Experimental results of the finalists<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Results at IEEE ITherm 2025 &#8211; 2nd Place<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Out of fifteen designs submitted from around the world, our team was selected as one of the finalists to present at the ITherm 2025 conference in Dallas, Texas. We were proud to secure 2nd place in the among the high quality teams competing in this year\u2019s competition, and we highly value what we learned throughout the journey, using Siemens Digital Industries Simcenter software. Engineering is all about innovative problem-solving, and competitions like this give us the opportunity to stretch our skills, collaborate across disciplines, and explore industry-standard tools. <br><br>We recommend other student groups to take part in next year&#8217;s competition when announced, and we appreciate the hard work of the organizing committee and sponsors to provide this opportunity to student teams.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd6115fcf&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1913\" height=\"1433\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-141323-1.png\" alt=\"Chilly Platter Certificate\" class=\"wp-image-66545\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-141323-1.png 1913w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-141323-1-600x449.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-141323-1-1024x767.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-141323-1-768x575.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-141323-1-1536x1151.png 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-141323-1-900x674.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1913px) 100vw, 1913px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chilly Platter cold plate design competition certificate &#8211; 2nd Place<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fbdd6116bd3&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1928\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-11-Group-Photo-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-11-Group-Photo-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-11-Group-Photo-1-600x452.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-11-Group-Photo-1-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-11-Group-Photo-1-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-11-Group-Photo-1-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-11-Group-Photo-1-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Page-11-Group-Photo-1-900x678.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Group photo with other finalists and competition sponsors<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Have you come across other innovative designs that could only be realized through this ECAM technology? or applied CFD simulation in for design of thermal management solutions suited to additive manufacturing methods?  Feel free to share your ideas or projects in the comments below, we\u2019re always keen to connect with fellow engineers and enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Further resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A 2025 recorded power electronics Siemens webinar on cold plate liquid cooling design<strong>:<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/webinars.sw.siemens.com\/en-US\/multiphysics-design-optimization-of-a-power-module-cooling-solution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Multiphysics design optimization of a power module cooling solution<\/a><br>Heat sink fundamentals\u00a0<strong>on-demand<\/strong> webinar:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plm.automation.siemens.com\/global\/en\/webinar\/heatsink-thermal-design\/95701\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Heatsink thermal design \u2013 Key considerations for electronics cooling<\/a><br>Blog: <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/how-to-design-a-heat-sink-for-additive-manufacturing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to design a heat sink for additive manufacturing<\/a><br>Blog:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/water-cooling-in-electronics-thermal-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Using water cooling in electronics thermal management<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*the CFD simulations in this study were performed using Simcenter Flotherm XT software. The meshing technology and SmartCells approach it uses are based on Simcenter FLOEFD CAD-embedded CFD software technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Siemens interns for 2024\/25, took part in the ASME K-16 and IEEE EPS Student Cold Plate Design Challenge. Find out how CFD simulation and design for additive manufacturing were combined to optimize their cold plate design for performance that reached the final of the 2025 competition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":115102,"featured_media":66562,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spanish_translation":"","french_translation":"","german_translation":"","italian_translation":"","polish_translation":"","japanese_translation":"","chinese_translation":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[213,13,83,10827,63942,242,63613,63960],"industry":[145],"product":[500,503,505],"coauthors":[63941,63943,63944,63945,63946],"class_list":["post-66430","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-3d-printing","tag-academic","tag-additive-manufacturing","tag-cfd","tag-cold-plate-design","tag-computational-fluid-dynamics-cfd","tag-electronics-cooling-simulation","tag-liquid-cooling","industry-electronics-semiconductors","product-simcenter-floefd","product-simcenter-flotherm","product-simcenter-flotherm-xt"],"featured_image_url":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-18-160149.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66430","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/115102"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=66430"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66430\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":68121,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66430\/revisions\/68121"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/66562"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=66430"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=66430"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=66430"},{"taxonomy":"product","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product?post=66430"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/simcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=66430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}