Optimization of Three-Dimensional Angled Ribs With RANS Analysis of Turbulent Heat Transfer

Abstract

A numerical optimization procedure for the shape of three-dimensional channel with angled ribs mounted on one of the walls to enhance turbulent heat transfer is presented. The response surface based global optimization with Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes analysis of fluid flow and heat transfer is used. Shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model is used as a turbulence closure. Computational results for local heat transfer rate show a reasonable agreement with the experimental data. The pitch-to-height ratio of the rib and rib height-to-channel height ratio are set to be 9.0 and 0.1, respectively, and width-to-rib height ratio and attack angle of the rib are chosen as design variables. The objective function is defined as a linear combination of heat-transfer and friction-loss related terms with the weighting factor. Full-factorial experimental design method is used to determine the data points. Optimum shapes of the channel have been obtained in the range from 0.0 to 0.1 of the weighting factor.