The current study reports both experimental and numerical studies on flow and heat transfer characteristics of straight and wavy miniature heat sinks (MHSs). Effects of different interruptions of pin-fin and concentrations of Al2O3/water nanofluids (0, 0.1, and 0.4 wt.%) are investigated. For the experimental part, three pin-fin interruptions and nanoparticle concentrations are considered and tested for Reynolds number ranged from 100 to 900. For the numerical part, a conjugate simulation is carried out using the finite volume approach and SIMPLEC algorithm. A comparison is conceded between the integral and the interrupted MHSs. The results are presented in terms of base temperature, heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, pressure drop, pumping power, and performance factor. It is found that the interrupted MHSs have better hydrothermal performance and more uniform temperature distribution. Also, the application of Al2O3/water nanofluids improves the overall hydrothermal performance of straight and the wavy MHSs. The maximum performance factors of 2.65 and 2.46 are obtained, respectively, for the 0.4 wt.% nanofluid flow in the straight and wavy MHSs with interrupted-staggered arrangement of pin-fins. Based on the current evaluation, it can be concluded that the pin-fin interruption and nanofluid flow have considerable effects on the performance of straight and wavy MHSs.

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