Optimal configurations of circular-shaped heat sources in a square-shaped fin

In the present paper we consider possible arrangements of two and three circular-shaped heat sources which are connected and cooled in a square fin to obtain the optimal arrangement. For each configuration the temperature and the temperature gradient field are obtained numerically while varying the location of heat sources. Constructal theory is applied to obtain the optimal location of heat sources. Here, optimization means the minimization of hot spots when the heat is removed at heat sources with constant heat flux. Also it means the maximization of the total heat removal by the fin when heat sources are at constant temperature. It is hown that the simple arrangements of heat sources such as horizontal or vertical arrangements might not be the optimum option and should be avoided. A better thermal performance could be obtained when certain configurations such as diagonal arrangement of two heat sources or triangular arrangement of three heat sources, are used.

کلیدواژه ها:

fin ، heat sources ، optimization ، constructal theory