Analytical solutions of 1-D heat conduction problem for a single fin with temperature-dependent heat transfer coefficient. I: Closed-form inverse solution. II: Recurrent direct solution (Q1598341)

The authors solve analytically the one-dimensional heat conduction problem for a single straight fin and spine of constant cross-section. The local heat transfer coefficient is assumed to vary as a power function of temperature excess. The authors obtain direct expressions to calculate the dimensionless temperature difference between the fin tip and ambient fluid, \(Tc\), for given values of the exponent \(n\) and the dimensionless fin parameter \(N\), and also calculate the fin base thermal conductance and its augmentation factor. It is shown that the obtained closed-form equation in terms of elementary functions can serve as a basis for a simple thermal design of fins and finned surfaces with heat transfer coefficient depending on temperature excess. It is also shown that the obtained closed-form solution for \(n = 0\) transforms into the well-known expression for fins with a uniform heat transfer coefficient. This demonstrates that the obtained generalized solution is correct.