Foreword to Special Issue on Advances in Optimization Methods in Heat and Mass Transfer

Abstract

Improving heat transfer effectiveness or/and controlling pressure losses requires novel techniques to develop systems of progressively higher heat transfer performance. Optimization techniques can provide a path to the most suitable design by considering the multiple objectives of the design. Although some challenges are encountered in application for fluid dynamics and heat transfer, optimization methodology has progressed strongly in recent years and is now recognized as essential in the design of modern heat transfer equipment and processes. Still, a better understanding of optimization methods for use in thermal and energy engineering is desired to enable advanced thermal and energy management. Therefore, the main motivation of this special issue of Journal of Heat Transfer (JHT) is to bring together original articles on recent developments in the field of optimization of flow and heat transfer processes.