Design And Optimisation Of A Focused Infrared Reflector For Use With Cold Spray

The modelling and optimisation of a focused infrared reflector for use in the cold spray process has been carried out using MATLAB. The 2D model includes the non-grey radiative heat transfer between the filament source and the heater body, surface to surface convection, and conduction through the heater body walls. Varying the voltage to the 1kW tungsten halogen bulb allows the prediction of the temperature of the filament, the temperature of the reflector walls, and the power output of the fIR heater. The reflector shape is optimised through a genetic algorithm (GA) function in MATLAB, which allows a global maximum for the power output to be found. The model was validated against a manufactured reflector which shows good agreement with the power output and temperature measurements on the external surface of the reflector body in steady state and transient conditions.