Optimization of shape and angle of attack of winglet vortex generator in a rectangular channel for heat transfer enhancement

A three dimensional numerical simulation was performed to study the effect of the shape and the angle of attack of the winglet vortex generator on the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics in a rectangular heat sink. The mass, momentum and energy equations were solved using finite volume method by considering the steady state, laminar and incompressible fluid flow. The average and local Nusselt number and pressure drop were investigated in the presence of the vortex generators at different shapes and angles of attack. To achieve a maximum heat transfer enhancement and a minimum pressure drop, the optimal values of these parameters were calculated using the Pareto optimal strategy. For this purpose, computational fluid dynamics analyses, multi-objective genetic algorithm and artificial neural networks were combined together and used in the optimization process. Finally, the optimal values of these parameters were presented. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.