Topologically Optimized Rocket Engine Heat Exchanger Based on Pseudo Boundary Layered Darcy Model

Abstract

This study proposes a topology optimization based on a Darcy equation and turbulent flow model for generating innovative two-fluid heat exchangers. We introduce a pseudo boundary layer to the Darcy flow model to imitate effect of boundary layer in turbulent flow, which is ignored in the original Darcy equation. First, we optimize a design variable field that express the configuration of each fluid region and solid wall region. Then, we evaluate the performance of the optimized result using a turbulent flow model. We apply the proposed method to rocket engine heat exchanger, where liquid oxygen and hydrogen gas should exchange their heat under extreme conditions, to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method against turbulent flow.