Effect of Variable Heat Transfer Coefficient, Fin Geometry, and Curvature on the Thermal Performance of Extended Surfaces

Abstract

A constant heat transfer coefficient is often assumed in the computation of the temperature distribution along an extended surface. This assumption permits the use of a well-established closed form analytical solution thus simplifying the mathematical complexity of the conservation energy equation. For certain fin geometries, this assumption will lead to poor prediction of the thermal performance of the extended surface especially for tapered and triangular fins. In this study, a generalized analytical solution was developed that permits the computation of heat loss from an extended surface based on variable heat transfer coefficient, fin geometry, and surface curvature. The influence of these parameters on fin efficiency for typical fins is reported.