Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
ISSN: Online 1818-7803ISSN: Print 1816-949x
Abstract
A finite element numerical study has been conducted of two-dimensional heat conduction in a rectangular fin with a variable heat transfer coefficient (hx) in the flow direction. The results show that the predicted fin efficiency with variable local heat transfer coefficient can be significantly lower than when a uniform hx value is assumed. The fin efficiency is lower because of the spreading resistance associated with the lateral conduction of heat toward the leading edge. The effect of variable hx was found to increase as the fin Length-to-Width ratio (L/W) decreased. For laminar boundary layer flow at L/W = 1/10, the fin efficiency with variable hx was as much as 8.7% lower than with a uniform heat transfer coefficient. For a turbulent flow conditions, the effect of variable hx was found to be less significant.
How to cite this article:
D. Naylor . Effect of Lateral Conduction on the Efficiency of Rectangular Fins.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/jeasci.2007.613.618
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1816-949x/jeasci.2007.613.618