Experimental, Mathematical and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of Temperature Distribution through Rectangular Fin with Circular Perforations

Abstract

Fins are the extended surfaces through which heat transfer takes place to keep the surface cool. Fins of various configurations are presently used ranging from automobile engine cooling to cooling of computer parts. Note that in a fin majority of the heat transfer to atmosphere is by convection and therefore in the present research, and importance is given to variation of temperature along the length of the fin which in turn gives rate of heat transfer. In the present research a solid rectangular aluminum fin and the same rectangular fin with different perforations (2, 4, 8 and 10) were compared analytically, experimentally and its validity through finite element analysis for its temperature distribution along the length. From the present research it is observed that the mathematical and FEA for a solid rectangular fin without perforations are converging within ±1°C and rectangular fin with 10 perforations are converging within ±2°C and hence the validity.