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This paper investigates the heat dissipation performance and structural response of two-dimensional cellular structures (based on triangular, square and honeycomb designs) using the finite element analysis technique. Three parameters are used to describe the heat transfer capacity of the structures, these being the heat dissipation Q, the pressure loss Δ P and the temperature difference between the outer wall and the fluid, T w − T f ¯ . In addition, the relative normal stiffness E ∕ Es is used to assess structural performance. These values are dependent upon both the geometry of the cellular unit and also the relative density ρ of the cellular structure. In this study, the effect of varying the cell geometry on these parameters is investigated numerically. Based on the findings of this investigation, it is concluded that a honeycomb panel, with a relative density ρ = 0.45, exhibits the optimum design for use in the manufacture of a heat exchanger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]