THERMAL ENGINEERING · 2019-2021
Heat Exchanger Design + Analysis
Design and CFD analysis of shell, multitube and plate heat exchangers using Ansys Fluent.
From theory to flow.
During a research internship and final-year capstone with four classmates, I designed and analysed a multitube heat exchanger for laboratory use. My contribution focused on thermal efficiency and effectiveness through theoretical analysis and CFD simulation, using varied inlet temperatures and flow rates to evaluate operating performance.
- Dimensions
- L 500 mm × Ø 55 mm
- Purpose
- Design, fabricate and verify a multitube heat exchanger
- Tools
- Inventor, SolidWorks and Ansys
- Materials
- Copper tubes; SS304 shell, baffles and endcaps
Approach
After reviewing comparable configurations, the team finalised dimensional specifications and created the CAD model. I then supported validation in ANSYS Fluent, evaluating temperature, flow and effectiveness across the selected operating conditions alongside Excel-based calculations.
Skills developed
- Computational tools, CFD and meshing workflows.
- Design-to-manufacturing integration.
- Cross-functional collaboration with manufacturers.
- Research documentation, including peer-reviewed journal and conference outputs.