A GENETIC ALGORITHM FOR FIN PROFILE OPTIMIZATION

In the present work a genetic algorithm is proposed in order to optimi ze the thermal performances of finned surfaces. The bidimensional temp erature distribution on the longitudinal section of the fin is calcula ted by resorting to the finite elements method. The heat flux dissipat ed by a generic profile fin is compared with the heat flux removed by the rectangular profile fin with the same length and volume. The genet ic algorithm is then applied to the case of polynomial profile fins, i n order to determine the polynomial parameter values which optimize th e fin effectiveness. The optimum profile is finally shown for differen t polynomial orders. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserve d.