The heat transfer optimization of conical fin by shape modification

In present work, a stepping optimization algorithm is proposed for the geometric optimization of conical fin, and the heat transfer rate of the fin is treated as the objective function in the optimization algorithm. The conical fin is divided into finite elements which have different generatrix slopes, and the geometry of the conical fin is finally determined by ensuring that every divided element can maintain the maximum heat transfer rate. Based on the actual condition of every element of the fin, the heat conduction equation is solved step by step. The present result shows that the optimized conical fin has more heat transfer quantity and higher fin efficiency compared with those of some typical fins. Furthermore, the theoretical feasibility and the error analysis of present optimization algorithm have been performed as well.