A Novel Topology Optimization Approach for Flow Power Loss Minimization Across Fin Arrays

Ali Ghasemi and Ali Elham
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Ali Ghasemi: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Braunschweig, Hermann-Blenk-Str. 35, D-38108 Braunschweig, Germany
Ali Elham: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Braunschweig, Hermann-Blenk-Str. 35, D-38108 Braunschweig, Germany

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: Fin arrays are widely utilized in many engineering applications, such as heat exchangers and micro-post reactors, for higher level of fluid–solid contacts. However, high fluid pressure loss is reportedly the major drawback of fin arrays and a challenge for pumping supply, particularly at micro-scales. Previous studies also indicate that fin shapes, spacing and alignment play an important role on the overall pressure losses. Therefore, we present a numerical tool to minimize pressure losses, considering the geometrical aspects related to fin arrays. In this regard, a density-based topology optimization approach is developed based on the pseudo-spectral scheme and Brinkman penalization in 2D periodic domains. Discrete sensitives are derived analytically and computed at relatively low cost using a factorization technique. We study different test cases to demonstrate the flexibility, robustness and accuracy of the present tool. In-line and staggered arrays are considered at various Reynolds numbers and fluid–solid volume fractions. The optimal topologies interestingly indicate a pressure loss reduction of nearly 53.6 % compared to circular fins. In passive optimization test examples, the added solid parts reduced pressure loss of a circular fin ( 9 % ) by eliminating the flow separation and filling the wake region.

Keywords: hydrodynamic power loss minimization; topology optimization; fin array; pseudo-spectral; Brinkman penalization; periodic flow (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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