Course Name: Heat Transfer

Course Code: UME 720

Topic : Heat Transfer from Extended Surfaces (FINS)

by
Dr. Madhup Kumar Mittal
Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology
Heat transfer from extended surfaces (Fins)
• In many engineering applications, it is very much needed to increase the heat dissipation from surface to surroundings
in order to avoid the damage of device due to overheating or to improve the effectiveness/efficiency of the device. Few
examples of such cases are:

Air-cooled I.C. engine Electric motor Tubes of fire tube

of automobiles bodies Transformer boiler
• The heat dissipation from surface to surrounding takes
place through convection process and the heat dissipation A extensions
rate is given by: Q = h.A.(ts−ta). h, ta (fins)
• It can be seen from above expression that heat dissipation Q = h.A.(ts − ta)
can be easily increased by increasing the surface area from A
where the heat dissipation is taking place. The surface area
ts ts
can be increased by providing extensions (protrusions) on
the surface. These extensions are called fins.
Heat transfer from extended surfaces (Fins)
Forms & shapes of fins
Straight Fin
A straight fin is an straight extended surface attached
on a plane or cylindrical wall. The cross section of the
straight fin may be rectangular or circular.
Annular Fin or Radial Fin
Annular fins are attached circumferentially to a
cylindrical surface and their cross-section area
varies with radius from centre line of cylinder

Straight rectangular fin on plane wall

Straight rectangular fin on cylindrical wall

Straight cylindrical fin (Pin fin)

Heat transfer through straight fin Assumptions
• Homogenous & isotropic fin material • Steady state heat conduction.
Perimeter • One-dimensional heat flow. • No heat generation within the fin
P = 2 (b + y)
Let us consider an infinitesimal volume element of length ∆x.
wall
Qx Under steady state, the energy balance for element gives:
y
to s
t 𝑄𝑥 − 𝑄𝑥+∆𝑥 − 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 = 0
b 𝑑𝑄𝑥
𝑄𝑥 − 𝑄𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − ℎ 𝑃. ∆𝑥 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 = 0
𝑑𝑥
h, ta
Tip of fin
𝑑𝑄𝑥
− ∆𝑥 − ℎ 𝑃. ∆𝑥 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 = 0
𝑑𝑥
l 𝑑 𝑑𝑡
− −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 − ℎ𝑃 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 = 0
• to: Wall temperature (= temperature at root of fin) 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
• k: Thermal conductivity of fin material 𝑑2 𝑡
• h: Heat transfer coefficient at fin surface 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 2 − ℎ𝑃 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 = 0
𝑑𝑥
• Acs: Cross-section area of fin (b×y)
• P: Perimeter of cross-section [2(b+y)] 𝑑2 𝑡 ℎ𝑃
− 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 = 0 --- (1)
• t: temperature of volume element 𝑑𝑥 2 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠
Heat transfer through straight fin
Thus Eq. (1) can be written as:
𝑑2 𝑡 ℎ𝑃 𝑑2 ℎ𝑃
2
− 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 = 0 --- (1) − =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑑𝑥 2 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠
Eq. (1) is further simplified by replacing the 𝑑2 ℎ𝑃
dependent variable, i.e., ‘t’ with a new parameter − 𝑚 2 =0 --- (3) 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑚 = = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝑑𝑥 2 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠
called excess temperature (θ). The excess
temperature (θ) is defined as: The general solution of differential Eq. (3) is of the following
form: = 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥
𝑥 = 𝑡 𝑥 − 𝑡𝑎 --- (2)
𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 = 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥
As the temperature ta is
ta 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥 --- (4)
constant, differentiation
of above Eq. (2) w.r.t. x to Qx y
C1 & C2 in above Eq. can be determined by using conditions
Acs at the fin boundaries. The boundary condition at the tip of
gives: t
b fin depends on the following three different cases of fins:
𝑑 𝑑𝑡
= Tip of fin • Case-1: The fin is very long.
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 x
𝑥 = 𝑡 𝑥 − 𝑡𝑎 • Case-2: The fin is of finite length (fin is not very long).
𝑑2 𝑑2 𝑡 l
𝑎𝑛𝑑, = • Case-3: The fin is of finite length and the heat dissipation from
𝑑𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 2
the fin tip surface is assumed to be negligible (Qfin tip = 0).
Heat transfer through straight fin
Case-1: The fin is very long
(a) Temperature distribution along the length of fin Qx
to Acs y
The general solution of temperature distribution along the length of fin is given by: t
𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥 --- (i) 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑚 = ℎ𝑃Τ 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 b
ta
Constants c1 & c2 in above Equation can be obtained by applying following B.C.s: Tip of fin
x
at x = 0; t = to …1st B.C. at x = l; t = ta …2nd B.C. l
By using 1st B.C.s, we get: Thus from Eq. (ii), we get: c2 = 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 --- (b)
𝑡𝑜 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑐1 𝑒 0 + 𝑐2 𝑒 0 → 𝑐1 +𝑐2 = 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 --- (ii) Finally, the temperature distribution along the
By using 2nd B.C.s, we get: length of fin is obtained by substituting the
𝑡𝑎 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚.𝑙 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚.𝑙 values of c1 & c2 in Eq. (i).
⇒ 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚.𝑙 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚.𝑙 = 0 --- (iii) 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥 --- (v)
Since ‘l’ is very large, hence value of e-ml in above Eq. will be In dimensionless form, above Eq. can be written as:
negligibly small, i.e., e-ml = 0. Thus above Eq. (iii) is reduced to: 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎
= 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥 --- (vi)
𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚.𝑙 =0 --- (iv) ∵ 𝑒 𝑚.𝑙 ≠ 0, ∴ 𝑐1 = 0 --- (a) 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎
Case-1 continued….
Heat transfer through straight fin Qfin
…Case-1 continued
(b) Heat dissipation rate from the fin Qroot

x 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥

Heat dissipation rate from the exposed surfaces of the fin (Qfin) = Heat conduction rate to fin at the root of the fin (Qroot)
𝑑𝑡
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = 𝑄𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡 = 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑥=0 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠
𝑑𝑥 𝑥=0
𝑑
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑥=0

𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 −𝑚 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥 𝑥=0

𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 −𝑚 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑚 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎

ℎ𝑃
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 = ℎ𝑃𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎
𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑜
Question Solution
It is required to heat oil to about 300°C for frying The temperature distribution for a long fin is given by:
purpose. A ladle is used in the frying. The section of 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎
= 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥
𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎
ladle handle is 5 mm × 18 mm. The average heat transfer
coefficient over the handle surface is 30.17 W/m2°C and At x = 0.38 m, t = 40℃
the surroundings are at 30°C. The cook is likely to grasp 40 − 30
= 𝑒 −𝑚×0.38
the handle at a distance 380 mm from the frying end of 300 − 30
ladle and hence the temperature in this region should not ⇒ 𝑒 −𝑚×0.38 = 1Τ27 = 27−1
exceed 40°C. What should be the thermal conductivity of ⇒ −𝑚 × 0.38 = ln 1Τ27 = −3.296
the handle material to accomplish it? The handle may be
⇒ 𝑚 = 8.673
assumed as a very long fin.
We also know that

z 𝑚= ℎ𝑃Τ 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 = 8.673

frying end handle
40°C section zz
to = 300°C ⇒ ℎ𝑃Τ 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 = 75.22
5 mm
30.17 × (0.018 + 0.005) × 2
380 mm 18 mm ⇒ = 75.22
z 𝑘 × 0.018 × 0.005
At x = 380 mm, t = 40°C region for grasping handle
⇒ 𝑘 = 205 W/m℃ (Ans)
Heat transfer through straight fin
Case-2: The fin is of finite length (fin is not very long)
Qx y
(a) Temperature distribution along the length of fin to Acs
t
The general solution of temperature distribution along the length of fin is given by: b
𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥 --- (i) 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑚 = ℎ𝑃Τ 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 ta
x Tip of fin
Constants c1 & c2 in above Eq. (i) can be obtained by applying following B.C.s: l
at x = 0; t = to 1st B.C.
For applying 2nd B.C. to Eq. (i), we need to differentiate
at x = l;
Eq. (i) w.r.t. r.
Heat conduction rate at fin tip = Heat dissipation rate by
convection from the fin tip surface 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑡 = 𝑚𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑥 − 𝑚𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥
𝑑𝑥
−𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 = ℎ𝐴𝑐𝑠 (𝑡𝑥=𝑙 − 𝑡𝑎 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑥=𝑙 𝑑𝑡
⇒ = 𝑚𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 − 𝑚𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 --- (iii)
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑥 𝑥=𝑙
−𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 = ℎ𝐴𝑐𝑠 (𝑡𝑎 + 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 − 𝑡𝑎 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑥=𝑙 From 2nd B.C. & Eq. (iii), we get:
𝑑𝑡 ℎ ℎ
= − (𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 ) 2nd B.C. 𝑚𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 − 𝑚𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 = − (𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑥=𝑙
𝑘 𝑘
By using 1st B.C.s, we get: ℎ
⇒ 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 − 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 = − (𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 ) --- (iv)
𝑡𝑜 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑐1 𝑒 0 + 𝑐2 𝑒 0 → 𝑐1 + 𝑐2 = 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 --- (ii) 𝑘. 𝑚
Case-2 continued….
Heat transfer through straight fin
Again writing Eq. (ii) & Eq. (iv) here from the last page
ℎ
𝑐1 + 𝑐2 = 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 --- (ii) 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 − 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 = −
(𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 ) --- (iv)
𝑘. 𝑚
The temperature distribution along the length of fin can be obtained by solving above two Eqs. for c1 & c2 and then
substituting the values of c1 & c2 in general solution of temperature distribution 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥 .
Thus, we get temperature distribution expression as:
ℎ
𝑒𝑚 𝑙−𝑥
+ 𝑒− 𝑚 𝑙−𝑥
+ 𝑒 𝑚 𝑙−𝑥 − 𝑒 − 𝑚 𝑙−𝑥
𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + (𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 ) 𝑘𝑚 --- (a)
ℎ
𝑒 𝑚𝑙 + 𝑒 − 𝑚𝑙 + 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 − 𝑒 − 𝑚𝑙
𝑘𝑚
ey + e−y ey − e−y
we know that: = cosh y & = sinh y; hence above Eq.(a) can be written in simplified form as:
2 2
ℎ
cosh 𝑚 𝑙 − 𝑥 + sinh 𝑚(𝑙 − 𝑥)
𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + (𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 ) 𝑘. 𝑚 --- (b)
ℎ
cosh 𝑚𝑙 + sinh(𝑚𝑙)
𝑘. 𝑚
In dimensionless form, above Eq. can be written as:
ℎ
𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 cosh 𝑚 𝑙 − 𝑥 + sinh 𝑚(𝑙 − 𝑥)
= 𝑘. 𝑚
ℎ
--- (c)
𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 cosh 𝑚𝑙 + sinh(𝑚𝑙)
𝑘. 𝑚 Case-2 continued….
Heat transfer through straight fin Qfin
…Case-2 continued
(b) Heat dissipation rate from the fin Qroot
ℎ
x cosh 𝑚 𝑙 − 𝑥 + sinh 𝑚(𝑙 − 𝑥)
𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + (𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 ) 𝑘. 𝑚
ℎ
cosh 𝑚𝑙 + sinh(𝑚𝑙)
𝑘. 𝑚
Heat dissipation rate from the exposed surfaces of the fin (Qfin) = ℎ
sinh(𝑚𝑙) + 𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ 𝑚𝑙
Heat conduction rate to fin at the root of the fin (Qroot) 𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 −𝑚 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 𝑘𝑚
ℎ
𝑑𝑡 cosh(𝑚𝑙) + 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ 𝑚𝑙
𝑘𝑚
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = 𝑄𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡 = 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑥=0 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠
𝑑𝑥 𝑥=0 ℎ
sinh(𝑚𝑙) + 𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ 𝑚𝑙
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑚 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 𝑘𝑚
ℎ ℎ
cosh 𝑚 𝑙 − 𝑥 + sinh 𝑚(𝑙 − 𝑥) cosh(𝑚𝑙) + 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ 𝑚𝑙
𝑑 𝑘. 𝑚 𝑘𝑚
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡 + (𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑎 cosh 𝑚𝑙 +
ℎ
sinh(𝑚𝑙)
𝑘. 𝑚 ℎ
𝑥=0 ℎ𝑃 sinh(𝑚𝑙) + 𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ 𝑚𝑙
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 𝑘𝑚
𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑜 cosh(𝑚𝑙) +
ℎ
𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ 𝑚𝑙
ℎ 𝑘𝑚
−𝑚. 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ 𝑚 𝑙 − 𝑥 − . 𝑚. 𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ 𝑚(𝑙 − 𝑥)
𝑘. 𝑚
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎
ℎ
ℎ
cosh 𝑚𝑙 + sinh(𝑚𝑙) tanh 𝑚𝑙 +
𝑘. 𝑚 𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = ℎ𝑃𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 𝑘. 𝑚
𝑥=0 ℎ
1+ tanh(𝑚𝑙)
𝑘. 𝑚
Heat transfer through straight fin
Case-3: The fin is not very long and the heat dissipation from the fin tip surface is
assumed to be negligible (Qfin tip = 0 or Fin tip is assumed insulated) Qx y
to Acs
(a) Temperature distribution along the length of fin t
b
The general solution of temperature distribution along the length of fin is given by:
ta
𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥 --- (i) 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑚 = ℎ𝑃Τ 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 x Tip of fin

Constants c1 & c2 in above Equation can be obtained by applying following B.C.s: l

At x = 0; t = to 1st B.C.
𝑑𝑡 From 2nd B.C. & Eq. (iii), we get:
At x = l; 𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑖𝑝 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑥=𝑙 𝑚𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 − 𝑚𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 = 0 --- (iv)
𝑑𝑡
or, at x = l; = 0 2nd B.C.
𝑑𝑥 𝑥=𝑙 By solving Eq. (ii) & (iv), we get:
By using 1st B.C.s, we get: 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 𝑒 𝑚𝑙
𝑡𝑜 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑐1 𝑒 0 + 𝑐2 𝑒 0 → 𝑐1 + 𝑐2 = 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 𝑐1 = (𝑡𝑜 −𝑡𝑎 ) 𝑚𝑙 & 𝑐2 = (𝑡𝑜 −𝑡𝑎 ) 𝑚𝑙
--- (ii) 𝑒 + 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 𝑒 + 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙
For applying 2nd B.C. to Eq. (i), we need to differentiate By substituting the above values of c1 & c2 in Eq.(i), we get
Eq. (i) w.r.t. r.
𝑑𝑡 the temperature distribution expression as:
= 𝑚𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑥 − 𝑚𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑒 𝑚(𝑙−𝑥) + 𝑒 −𝑚(𝑙−𝑥)
𝑑𝑡 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 --- (v)
∴ = 𝑚𝑐1 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 − 𝑚𝑐2 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 --- (iii) 𝑒 𝑚𝑙 + 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙
𝑑𝑥 𝑥=𝑙 Case-3 continued….
Heat transfer through straight fin (b) Heat dissipation rate from the fin
Again writing Eq. (v) here from the last page Qfin

𝑒 𝑚(𝑙−𝑥) + 𝑒 −𝑚(𝑙−𝑥) --- (v) Qroot

𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎
𝑒 𝑚𝑙 + 𝑒 −𝑚𝑙 cosh 𝑚(𝑙 − 𝑥)
x 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎
ey + e−y cosh(𝑚𝑙)
we know that: = cosh y Heat dissipation rate from the exposed surfaces of the fin (Qfin) =
2
Heat conduction rate to fin at the root of the fin (Qroot)
Hence above Eq.(v) can be written in simplified form as:
𝑑𝑡
cosh 𝑚(𝑙 − 𝑥) 𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = 𝑄𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡 = 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑥=0 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠
𝑑𝑥
𝑡 = 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 --- (vi) 𝑥=0
cosh(𝑚𝑙)
𝑑 cosh 𝑚(𝑙 − 𝑥)
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑎 + 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎
In dimensionless form, above Eq. can be written as: 𝑑𝑥 cosh(𝑚𝑙) 𝑥=0

𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 cosh 𝑚(𝑙 − 𝑥) sinh 𝑚 𝑙 − 𝑥

= --- (vii) 𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 −𝑚
𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 cosh(𝑚𝑙) cosh(𝑚𝑙) 𝑥=0

𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = −𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 −𝑚 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 tanh(𝑚𝑙)

𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 ℎ𝑃Τ 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 tanh(𝑚𝑙)

𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 = ℎ𝑃𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 tanh(𝑚𝑙)

Question Solution
The aluminium square fins (0.5 mm × 0.5 mm) of 10 mm
length are provided on the surface of semiconductor
electronic device to dissipate 1W of energy generated by
electronic device. The thermal conductivity of fin material
is 200 W/m°C and heat transfer coefficient on fin surface
is 15 W/m2°C. The temperature at the surface of device
should not exceed 80°C when surrounding temperature is
40°C. Find the number of fins required to carry out above
duty. Assume negligible heat loss from the end of fins.
Heat transfer through straight fin
Summary of heat transfer analysis of straight fin
Fin Description Temperature distribution along the length of fin Heat dissipation rate from the fin

Case-1: The fin is very long (Fin tip 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎

= 𝑒 −𝑚𝑥
temperature is equal to the 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 ℎ𝑃𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎
surrounding temperature 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑚 = ℎ𝑃Τ 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠

Case-2: The fin is not very long and ℎ ℎ

𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 cosh 𝑚 𝑙 − 𝑥 + sinh 𝑚(𝑙 − 𝑥) tanh 𝑚𝑙 +
the heat dissipation from the fin tip = 𝑘. 𝑚 ℎ𝑃𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 𝑘. 𝑚
𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 ℎ ℎ
surface is not assumed negligible cosh 𝑚𝑙 + sinh(𝑚𝑙) 1+ tanh(𝑚𝑙)
𝑘. 𝑚 𝑘. 𝑚
Case-3: The fin is not very long and
the heat dissipation from the fin tip 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 cosh 𝑚(𝑙 − 𝑥) ℎ𝑃𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 tanh(𝑚𝑙)
=
surface is assumed to be negligible 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 cosh(𝑚𝑙)
(Qfin tip = 0, Fin tip is assumed
insulated)
P = 2 (b + y) P = πD
Acs = b.y
Acs = πD2/4
to y
Acs to
Acs
b
Performance Parameters of fin
(1) Effectiveness of fin (εf)
(2) Efficiency of fin (ηf)

Effectiveness of fin (εf)

• Effectiveness of fin is a performance parameter which gives an
to
idea about the enhancement in heat dissipation rate from the
surface due to use of fins on the surface. Acs
h, ta
• Effectiveness is defined as the ratio of the heat dissipation rate with
a fin to the heat dissipation rate that would exist without the fin.
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛
𝜀𝑓 = = h.Acs.(to-ta)
𝑄𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑛 to

𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 Acs
𝑜𝑟, 𝜀𝑓 = --- (1)
ℎ𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎

Continued….
Effectiveness of fin (εf)
Let us consider a very long fin.
= h.Acs.(to-ta)
= ℎ𝑃𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 to
to The effectiveness for very long fin can be expressed as:
Acs 𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑃𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 𝑃𝑘
Acs 𝜀𝑓 = = = =
h, ta
𝑄𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 ℎ𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 ℎ𝐴𝑐𝑠

Several important conclusions can be drawn from the above fin effectiveness relation for consideration in the design & selection of fins.
• The thermal conductivity of the material should be as high as possible. That is why fins are normally made from copper or
aluminium due to their high thermal conductivity. In fact, aluminium is most widely used to fabricate fins due to its low cost, low
weight and its resistance to corrosion. 𝑃 2 𝑏+𝑦 2𝑏 2
𝑃 𝜋𝐷 4 = ≈ =
• The ratio of perimeter to the cross-sectional area = = 𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑏𝑦 𝑏𝑦 𝑦
𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝜋Τ4 𝐷2 𝐷
of the fin (P/Acs) should be as high as possible. This Acs y
criterion is satisfied if the diameter of pin fin or
b
thickness of rectangular fin is kept as low as possible.

• The use of fins is most effective when heat transfer

coefficient between the fin surface and surrounding
is low. That means use of fins is more justified when
the surrounding medium is gas instead of liquid. And,
that is why the fins are used on the gas side in liquid-
to-gas heat exchanger such as Car Radiator.
Efficiency of fin (ηf)

• Efficiency of fin is defined as the ratio of actual heat dissipation rate from a fin to the
maximum possible heat dissipation rate from the fin.
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙
Thus, 𝜂𝑓 =
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑚𝑎𝑥.

• The maximum possible heat dissipation rate from the fin would occur if the entire fin surface could be
maintained at the root temperature. This hypothetical ideal condition on the fin surface can exist in the
limiting case of zero thermal resistance or infinite thermal conductivity (k→∞) of the fin material.

Qfin, actual Qfin, max.= h.P.l.(to−ta)

l l

(To) (To)

Actual case Ideal case

𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙

𝜂𝑓 = = --- (1)
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑚𝑎𝑥. ℎ𝑃𝑙 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎 Continued….
Efficiency of fin (ηf)
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙
• Efficiency of fin is expressed as: 𝜂𝑓 = = --- (1)
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑚𝑎𝑥. ℎ𝑃𝑙 𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑎
• For specific cases, efficiency of fin can be expressed as:
1. For very long fin
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 ℎ𝑃𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 −𝑡𝑎 𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 1 1 1 1
𝜂𝑓 = = = . = . =
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑚𝑎𝑥. ℎ𝑃𝑙 𝑡𝑜 −𝑡𝑎 ℎ𝑃 𝑙 𝑚2 𝑙 𝑚𝑙

2. Finite length fin, losing heat at the tip

ℎ ℎ
tanh 𝑚𝑙 + tanh 𝑚𝑙 +
ℎ𝑃𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 −𝑡𝑎 𝑘.𝑚 𝑘.𝑚
ℎ ℎ
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 1+
𝑘.𝑚
tanh(𝑚𝑙) 1+
𝑘.𝑚
tanh(𝑚𝑙)
𝜂𝑓 = = =
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑚𝑎𝑥. ℎ𝑃𝑙 𝑡𝑜 −𝑡𝑎 𝑚𝑙

3. Finite length fin, heat loss from fin tip is assumed negligible (or fin tip is assumed insulated)

𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 ℎ𝑃𝑘𝐴𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑜 −𝑡𝑎 tanh(𝑚𝑙) tanh(𝑚𝑙)

𝜂𝑓 = = =
𝑄𝑓𝑖𝑛, 𝑚𝑎𝑥. ℎ𝑃𝑙 𝑡𝑜 −𝑡𝑎 𝑚𝑙
Question
A steel rod (k =32 W/m°C) 12 mm in diameter and 60 mm long is
used as a fin on a heated surface. It is exposed to surroundings with
a temperature of 60°C and a heat transfer coefficient of 55 W/m2°C.
The temperature at the base of fin is 95°C. Assuming negligible
heat loss from the tip of fin, determine: (i) Fin efficiency, (ii)
Temperature at the tip of fin, (iii) Heat dissipation from the fin.

Solution
END