Minimum entropy generation design of a convectively heated pin fin with tip heat loss

Abstract

This paper studies heat transfer and entropy generation in a pin fin that is convectively heated at its base and losing heat through its tip in addition to the heat loss from its lateral surface. The analysis accounts for the skin friction drags at the base and the tip of the fin as well as the drag owing to forced convection over the lateral surface of the fin. The entropy generation rate is found to be a function of Reynolds and Prandtl numbers of hot and cold fluid flows, fluid friction to heat transfer irreversibility parameters based on hot and cold fluid properties, the ratios of hot fluid/fin and cold fluid/fin thermal conductivities, and the temperatures of the hot and cold fluids. Results illustrate the effects of various parameters on the entropy generation rate and the optimum fin length.