Analytical and numerical predictions of the thermal performance of multi-layered lattice structures

•The thermal performance of multi-layered lattice structures was investigated.•An analytical model was developed to predict the heat transfer of complex structures.•A Computational Fluid Dynamics model (CFD) was also developed for comparison purposes.•A very good agreement was obtained between analytical and CFD-based results.•Analytical results can be obtained instantaneously, making the analytical approach a cost-effective method. The recent development of additive manufacturing has allowed complex geometries such as multi-layered lattice structures to be designed for different applications, including heat transfer. Performing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses on each new design iteration of lattice structures would require high computational time and cost. An analytical model has therefore been developed, able to rapidly and cost-effectively predict the heat transfer of complex lattice structures. The numerical code has been written for a given multi-layered lattice sample and a two-step approach with fin analogy has been applied to determine the mean outlet fluid temperature and the total heat dissipation for air as the working fluid. CFD simulations have also been performed and results compared to the analytical ones. A very good agreement is obtained between numerical and analytical results under the defined industrial operating conditions of the complex lattice structures, showing that such analytical model can be quickly and efficiently applied to evaluate the thermal performance of multi-layered lattice structures.