Use of vortex generators to improve efficacy of heat sinks used to cool electrical and electro-optical components

A method, comprising:

• disposing at least one heat sink including a plurality of cooling fins in thermal communication with at least one heat generating component of a circuit pack;
• providing at least one source for a cooling fluid flow directed towards said at least one heat sink;
• and
• disposing at least one vortex generator on said circuit pack upstream of said at least one heat sink in relation to the cooling fluid flow presented to said at least one heat sink such that at least one vortex having an unsteady flow is imparted to the cooling fluid flow proximate the surfaces of said plurality of cooling fins of said at least one heat sink to reduce thereby the thermal resistance of said at least one heat sink.

A system, comprising:

• a circuit pack having at least one heat generating component;
• at least one heat sink including a plurality of cooling fins in thermal communication with said at least one heat generating component;
• at least one cooling fluid flow directed towards said at least one heat sink;
• and
• at least one vortex generator disposed on said circuit pack upstream of said at least one heat sink in relation to the cooling fluid flow directed towards said at least one heat sink such that at least one vortex having an unsteady flow is imparted to the cooling fluid flow proximate the surfaces of said plurality of cooling fins of said at least one heat sink to reduce thereby the thermal resistance of said at least one heat sink.