Study of Parameter Effects on Residual Stresses and Thermal Deformation of Brazed Plate-Fin Structure Using Finite Element Method

The brazed plate-fin structure is the key component of a compact plate-fin heat exchanger. The residual stresses and thermal deformation induced by vacuum brazing may bring negative effects on the quality and the life of the plate-fin structure. Thus, it is important to optimize the brazing parameters in order to minimize such effects. This paper presents a three-dimensional finite element analysis for determining the residual stresses and thermal deformation of a three layered stainless steel plate-fin structure fabricated by nickel-based brazing. The features of residual stresses and thermal deformation distribution are discussed. The effects of three major brazing parameters including brazing temperature, clamping pressure load, and filler metal on the residual stresses and thermal deformation are investigated, respectively.