ABSTRACT
The objective of the present work is to develop a numerical model of inverted trapezoidal fin, horizontal array heat sink for heat transfer via free convection. The flow is assumed to be steady, laminar and uniform. The presented model is simulated at geometric parameters which go in accordance with the literature study. After validating the model parametric study for orthogonal effect of geometric parameters on heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and on heat flux (HF) is carried out. Then Design of experiment (DOE) is carried out, as a result a response surface depicting relationship of input and output parameters. Response surface optimization is done for maximum heat transfer after response surface generation. The main objective was to optimize geometry of inverted trapezoidal fins within a given range for maximum heat transfer having maximum heat flux and maximum HTC. The effects of change in fin length, fin height, fin spacing and temperature difference between surroundings and fin are examined together preventing possible mistakes due to the use of a constant value for one of the geometrical parameters and incorrect assumptions. By simulation in ANSYS Fluent, the solution of the conjugate governing equation is obtained, which is compared to the experimental observation with the results for special condition. ANSYS Fluent is used for the continuum model of Navies-Stokes with Coupled pressure velocity coupling and pressure based solver, is used for this. Fluent gives adaptability to variation of thermo physical properties with respect to the effect of temperature. For DOE, response surface curve and optimization ANSYS design explorer is used. Design explorer provides the user to generate response curve between input and output parameters with help of design points (outcome of DOE). Finally, optimization is done by predicted response values for present study based on maximum heat flux and HTC
