Computational optimization of the thermal performance of internally finned ducts

A computational methodology for optimization of fin shapes is formulated and demonstrated in the context of steady, laminar, fully-developed forced convection in a straight duct of circular cross-section, with air as the fluid and non-twisted, uninterrupted, longitudinal internal fins made of steel, aluminium, and copper. The governing equations are solved using finite volume methods. The fins shapes are approximated using non-uniform rational B-splines, with the control points as design variables. A gradient-based method is used for the optimization. Results pertaining to the maximization of suitably defined thermal performance, subject to constant pumping power per unit length, are presented and discussed.