Numerical analysis of Annular fin of different profiles with a meshfree method

Abstract

This article deals with heat transfer from the annular fin of different profiles. Three different materials: aluminum, copper, and steel are considered in numerical simulation of the problem. The paper uses the meshless local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) method on the ordinary differential equation derived from energy balance on a differential element of variable cross-sectional radial fin in conductive-convective environment. The weighted residual method is used to develop discrete equations. The moving least square approximants are used for function approximation and the penalty method for enforcement of the essential boundary condition. A new term, Fin Heat Transfer Ratio (fHTR) is introduced to understand the relative volume-adjusted performance of any profile annular fin compare to the rectangular profile annular fin under similar conditions. The triangular profile is found to be best among all based the volume-adjusted performance.