Topology Optimization Method for Bionic Fins Based on a Natural Convection Substitution Model

Zhang Chunbo; Hu Zongwen; Meng Zhaoming; Dong Chuanchang; He Gening; Li Donghui

doi:10.13832/j.jnpe.2024.09.0016

Volume 46 Issue 5

Oct. 2025

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Article Navigation > Nuclear Power Engineering > 2025 > 46(5): 76-83

Zhang Chunbo, Hu Zongwen, Meng Zhaoming, Dong Chuanchang, He Gening, Li Donghui. Topology Optimization Method for Bionic Fins Based on a Natural Convection Substitution Model[J]. Nuclear Power Engineering, 2025, 46(5): 76-83. doi: 10.13832/j.jnpe.2024.09.0016

Citation:

Zhang Chunbo, Hu Zongwen, Meng Zhaoming, Dong Chuanchang, He Gening, Li Donghui. Topology Optimization Method for Bionic Fins Based on a Natural Convection Substitution Model[J]. Nuclear Power Engineering, 2025, 46(5): 76-83. doi: 10.13832/j.jnpe.2024.09.0016

Citation:

Zhang Chunbo, Hu Zongwen, Meng Zhaoming, Dong Chuanchang, He Gening, Li Donghui. Topology Optimization Method for Bionic Fins Based on a Natural Convection Substitution Model[J]. Nuclear Power Engineering, 2025, 46(5): 76-83. doi: 10.13832/j.jnpe.2024.09.0016

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Topology Optimization Method for Bionic Fins Based on a Natural Convection Substitution Model

doi: 10.13832/j.jnpe.2024.09.0016

1.
Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Nuclear Power Systems and Equipment, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China
2.
China Nuclear Power Engineering Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100840, China
3.
Sichuan Key Laboratory of Nuclear Additive Manufacturing, Nuclear Power Institute of China, Chengdu, 610213, China

Received Date: 2024-09-16
Rev Recd Date: 2025-02-23

Available Online: 2025-10-15

Publish Date: 2025-10-15

Abstract

Abstract

Natural convection fin heat sinks are widely used in the nuclear field. Improving their convective heat transfer capacity is a critical measure to ensure reactor safety and enhance energy efficiency. To enhance the heat dissipation performance of heat sinks, this study conducted a topology optimization design of traditional fin heat sinks based on the engineering conditions of the fin heat sink in the Reactor Cavity Cooling System (RCCS), employing a natural convection substitution model and the optimality criterion method. The shape of the optimized structure was analyzed using the concept of fractal bionics. In this study, the optimal fin thickness was first found by numerical simulation, and then the topological optimization design of the heat sink structure with the optimal fin thickness was carried out under different volume constraints, and the heat transfer performance of the optimized structure under different volume constraints was analyzed by numerical simulation. Considering both volume and heat transfer performance, an optimized structure with a volume constraint of 0.135 was selected for further analysis. After topological optimization, the heat sink structure was vein-like, and the fins extending from the base gradually became thinner and fractal features appeared at the end of the fins. Moreover, small fins grew on the surface of the fins to further improve the convective heat transfer. The numerical simulation shows that the vein-shaped heat sink is more favorable to heat conduction and convective heat transfer than the traditional heat sinks. Finally, the fractal characteristics of the optimized fins are analyzed by using the box counting method, and the similarity between them and the veins of plants is verified, which shows that the topology optimization structure is close to the natural optimal solution.
- Natural convection heat transfer,
- Heat sink,
- Fin,
- Topology optimization,
- Fractal structure

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References(22)

References

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