Comparative analysis of power-law fin-type problems using variational iteration method and finite element method (Q955962)

The authors apply the variational iteration method (VIM) to examine the temperature distribution within a single fin, described by a one-dimensional steady-state nonlinear heat conduction equation. The effects of the conductivity of the fin and of the exponent of the power law are studied. In order to compare the formulation and the results of VIM with the finite element solution of the same equation, the authors examine the variations of errors with respect to the heat transfer mode and with respect to the conductivity.