Review of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) Structures for Cooling Heat Sinks

Khaoula Amara, Mohamad Ziad Saghir () and Ridha Abdeljabar
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Khaoula Amara: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
Mohamad Ziad Saghir: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
Ridha Abdeljabar: Research Lab TEMI, Department of Technology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Gafsa, Sidi Ahmed Zarroug, Gafsa 2112, Tunisia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 18, 1-26

Abstract: This review paper deals with Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS) and lattice structures as a new generation of heat exchangers. Especially, their manufacturing is becoming feasible with technological progress. While some intricate structures are fabricated, challenges persist concerning manufacturing limitations, cost-effectiveness, and performance under transient operating conditions. Studies reported that these complex geometries, such as diamond, gyroid, and hexagonal lattices, outperform traditional finned and porous materials in thermal management, particularly under forced and turbulent convection regimes. However, TPMS necessitates the optimization of geometric parameters such as cell size, porosity, and topology stretching. The complex geometries enhance uniform heat exchange and reduce thermal boundary layers. Moreover, the integration of high thermal conductivity materials (e.g., aluminum and silver) and advanced coolants (including nanofluids and ethylene glycol mixtures) further improves performance. However, the drawback of complex geometries, confirmed by both numerical and experimental investigations, is the critical trade-off between heat transfer performance and pressure drop. The potential of TPMS-based heatsinks transpires as a trend for next-generation thermal management systems, besides identifying key directions for future research, including design optimization, Multiphysics modeling, and practical implementation.

Keywords: lattice structures; additive manufacturing; heat sinks; forced convection; porosity optimization; pressure drop; heat transfer enhancement; cooling systems; high thermal conductivity material (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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