This paper addresses the fundamental problem of how to facilitate the flow of heat across a conducting slab heated from one side. Available for distribution through the system is a small amount of high-conductivity material. The constructal method consists of optimizing geometrically the distribution of the high-conductivity material through the material of lower conductivity. Two-dimensional distributions (plate inserts) and three-dimensional distributions (pin inserts) are optimized based on the numerical simulation of heat conduction in a large number of possible configurations. Results are presented for the external and internal features of the optimized architectures: spacings between inserts, penetration distances, tapered inserts and constant-thickness inserts. The use of optimized pin inserts leads consistently to lower global thermal resistances than the use of plate inserts. The side of the slab that is connected to the high-conductivity intrusions is in effect a “rough” surface. This paper shows that the architecture of a rough surface can be optimized for minimum global contact resistance. Roughness can be designed.
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Constructal Placement of High-Conductivity Inserts in a Slab: Optimal Design of “Roughness”
M. Neagu and,
M. Neagu and
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Box 90300, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0300
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A. Bejan
A. Bejan
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Box 90300, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0300
Search for other works by this author on:
M. Neagu and
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Box 90300, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0300
A. Bejan
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Box 90300, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0300
Contributed by the Heat Transfer Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF HEAT TRANSFER. Manuscript received by the Heat Transfer Division November 22, 1999; revision received February 22, 2001. Associate Editor: S. Sadhal.
J. Heat Transfer. Dec 2001, 123(6): 1184-1189 (6 pages)
Published Online: February 22, 2001
Article history
Received:
November 22, 1999
Revised:
February 22, 2001
Citation
Neagu and , M., and Bejan , A. (February 22, 2001). "Constructal Placement of High-Conductivity Inserts in a Slab: Optimal Design of “Roughness” ." ASME. J. Heat Transfer. December 2001; 123(6): 1184–1189. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1392988
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