Indexed by:期刊论文

Date of Publication:2008-08-01

Journal:ENGINEERING OPTIMIZATION

Included Journals:SCIE、EI、Scopus

Volume:40

Issue:8

Page Number:767-788

ISSN No.:0305-215X

Key Words:topology optimization; multitubular heat exchanger; heat dissipation; cellular materials; monolithic catalyst support; concurrent design of material and structure

Abstract:The optimum design of compact heat exchangers made of a linear metal cellular material is presented. A novel representation of the cylindrical multi-tubular configuration is used. The aim is to maximize the heat dissipation rate while minimizing the prescribed flow pressure by optimizing the multi-tube configuration. The optimum distribution of cellular material for square-cell morphology (cell density and size over given cylindrical cross-section) is found using a structural topology optimization approach. The optimized thermal performance is compared using numerical analysis including both axial temperature fields and variations within the cross-sectional area. The results for the effects of different cross-section shapes, thermal boundary conditions and flow rates are discussed and compared. Interestingly, the present formulation leads to a non-uniform distribution of cellular structures which mimic natural biomaterials. Based on these results, design guidelines for a compact multi-tubular heat exchanger are presented.