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Fin Design
Fin Design
T
Tb Total heat loss: qf=Mtanh(mL) for an
adiabatic fin, or qf=Mtanh(mLC) if there is
convective heat transfer at the tip
hP
where m= , and M= hPkA C b hPkA C (Tb T )
kAc
Use the thermal resistance concept:
(T T )
q f hPkA C tanh(mL)(Tb T ) b
Rt , f
where Rt , f is the thermal resistance of the fin.
For a fin with an adiabatic tip, the fin resistance can be expressed as
(Tb T ) 1
Rt , f
qf hPkA C [tanh( mL)]
Fin Effectiveness
How effective a fin can enhance heat transfer is characterized by the
fin effectiveness f: Ratio of fin heat transfer and the heat transfer
without the fin. For an adiabatic fin:
qf qf hPkA C tanh( mL) kP
f tanh( mL)
q hAC (Tb T ) hAC hAC
If the fin is long enough, mL>2, tanh(mL) 1,
it can be considered an infinite fin (case D of table3.4)
kP k PP
k
f
hAC h AACC
h
In order to enhance heat transfer, f 1.
However, f 2 will be considered justifiable
If f <1 then we have an insulator instead of a heat fin
Fin Effectiveness (cont.)
kP k P
f
hAC h AC
Tb
x Total fin heat transfer qf x Ideal heat transfer qmax
Tb T 1
qt hAtO (Tb T ) where Rt ,O
Rt ,O hAtO
Compare to heat transfer without fins
1
q hA(Tb T ) h( Ab NAb, f )(Tb T )
hA
where Ab,f is the base area (unexposed) for the fin
To enhance heat transfer AtO A =Ab+NAb,f
That is, to increase the effective area O At .
Thermal Resistance Concept
L1 t A=Ab+NAb,f
Rb=t/(kbA)
T1 T1 T2 Tb T
T
R1=L1/(k1A) Rt ,O 1 /( hAtO )
Tb T1 T T1 T
T2 q
R R1 Rb Rt ,O