Heat and Mass Transfer

Chapter-3 Extended Surfaces (Fins)

Prepared By

Brij Bhooshan
Asst. Professor
B. S. A. College of Engg. And Technology
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, (India)

Supported By:
Purvi Bhooshan

Please welcome for any correction or misprint in the entire manuscript and your
valuable suggestions kindly mail us brijrbedu@gmail.com.

1993
Problem: Two long rods of the same diameter, one made of brass (k = 85 W/m. K.) and
the other made of copper (k = 375 W/m. K.), have one of their ends inserted into a
furnace. Both rods are exposed to the same environment. At a section 10.5 cm away
from the furnace end, the temperature of the brass rod is 120°C. At what distance from
the furnace end, the same temperature would be reached in the copper rod? Derive the
formula used.
[Engg. Services-1993]
Solution: Given that: kb = 85 W/m.K, kc = 375 W/m.K, away from furnace end x = 10.5
cm, Tb = 120°C + 273 = 393 K, x = 10.5 cm = 0.105 cm.
Temperature distribution in a very long thin fin rod is given by

For brass at x = 0.105 m, Tb = 393 K.

For copper rod at x = l m, Tb = 393 K.

From equation (i) and (ii), then we get

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2 Chapter 3: Extended Surfaces (Fins)

1996
Problem: Explain the terms fin efficiency and fin effectiveness. Derive the expressions
for these for the fin which is insulated at the end. Discuss the conditions when
installation of fun on a heat transfer surface will not necessarily increase heat transfer
rate.
[IAS-1996]
Solution:
Fin Efficiency: The thermal performance of a fin is also measured by a parameter
called fin efficiency (ηf). The maximum driving potential for convection is the
temperature difference between the base (x = 0) and the fluid, θ0 = T0  T. Hence, the
maximum rate at which a fin could dissipate energy is the rate that would exist, if the
entire fin surface were at the base temperature, i.e. if the thermal conductivity of the fin
is infinity.

Fin effectiveness
For a plane surface area, the thermal convection resistance is equal to (1/hA). Addition
of fin to a plane increases the surface area for convection. However, the thermal
resistance reduced for convection. However, the thermal resistance for conduction, over
that portion of the original surface at which the fins added, increases. Hence addition of
fins will not always increase the rate of heat transfer. The effectiveness of fin is
expressed as

where A is the cross-sectional area of the fin.

Expression for fin with insulation end:
Now we start our expression for general solution for temperature distribution of fin is

with boundary conditions

(1) When x = 0, T = T0, θ = θ0 = T0 − T∞

(2) When x = L, T = TL, θ = θL = TL − T∞

The other boundary condition depends on the physical situation. Several cases may be
considered:
The fin is thin and long enough so that the heat loss from the tip is negligible. All the
heat Q0 is convected out along the length and no heat is dissipated from the tip surface.

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 Heat and Mass Transfer By Brij Bhooshan 3

Since C1 + C2 = θ0; then C1 + C2e2mL = θ0

The temperature distribution, Eq. (3.6), becomes

This is the temperature distribution along the fin.

At the tip, x = L,

It gives the temperature of the fin at its tip (TL).

The rate of heat transfer

Fin Efficiency: The fin efficiency is then

Fin effectiveness: For Case with negligible tip loss

Problem: The cylinder of an engine is 1 m long and has an outside diameter of 6 cm.
The outside surface temperature of the cylinder is 200⁰C when the ambient temperature

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4 Chapter 3: Extended Surfaces (Fins)

is 30⁰C. The film coefficient of heat transfer is 25 W/m2 K. The cylinder is provided with
12 longitudinal straight fins of 0.1 cm thickness and 3 cm length. The thermal
conductivity of cylinder and fin material is 75 W/mK. Assuming that the fins have
insulated tips, determine.
(i) Percentage increase in heat dissipation due to addition of fins.
(ii) the temperature at the centre of the fin and
(iii) find efficiency and fin effectiveness.
[IAS-1996]
Solution: Given That: Length of cylinder (L) = 1 m, Outside dia (d0) = 6 cm, T0 = 200 °C
+ 273 = 473 K, Ta = 30 °C + 273 = 303 K, h = 25 W/m2K, k = 75 W/mK, Number of fin =
12, b = 0.1 cm = 1 × 103 m, l = 3 cm = 0.03 m.

Heat transfer for one fin

Heat transfer for 12 fins

Heat transfer from unfinned portion of the surface

Total heat transfer from the cylindrical surface

If cylinder were without fins, the heat transfer would be

% increase heat dissipate due to addition of fins

Temperature at the centre of the fin

Fin efficiency

Fin effectiveness

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 Heat and Mass Transfer By Brij Bhooshan 5

Problem: Derive the equation for temperature distribution in a fin with an insulated
tip. Then obtain an expression for heat dissipation be integrating the convective losses
along its surface.
[Engg. Services-1996]
Solution: See the solution of IAS 1996.

1998
Problem: Derive the following expressions for heat transfer from an extended surface
assuming that the loss of heat from the end of the extended surface is negligible,
Q = mkA (t1  t∞) tanh mL
where the notations have the usual meaning t1 is the temperature at the root of the
extended surface and t∞ is the temperature of the surrounding fluid. What would be the
value of fin efficiency to the above case?
[Engg. Services-1998]
Solution: See the solution of IAS 1996.

1999
Problem: A thin rod of length L has its two ends connected to two reservoirs at
temperatures t1 and t2 respectively. The rod has the perimeter P and its cross-sectional
area A. The rod loses heat to the environment at temperature ts. The convection
coefficient of heat transfer between the rod and the environment is h. Assuming the
thermal conductivity of the material of the rod to be constant k, derive expression for (i)
the temperature distribution in the rod and (ii) the heat transfer from the rod to the
environment.
[IAS-1999]
Solution: Let us first consider the simplest case of straight and pin fins of uniform
cross-section (Diagram 3.4). Each fin is attached to the base surface of T0 and extends
into a fluid of temperature T∞. The perimeter of the fin, P, which is uniform is 2(z + t) or,
P ≈ 2z, if the thickness of the fin is small (t <<< z). If the fin is very thin and its length z
is long. It can be assumed that there is no radial temperature variation and heat gets
conducted axially along the length. This heat is then dissipated to the surroundings by
convection. The problem thus reduces to axial heat conduction along the fin with
distributed heat sink from the sides. It is thus treated as one-dimensional heat
conduction.

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6 Chapter 3: Extended Surfaces (Fins)

Let us consider a small volume element at a distance x from the base or root of the fin of
thickness dx. The rate at which heat enters the element is Qx and the heat leaving the
element is Qx+dx. In that small distance dx, let dQConv be the heat transferred by
convection. Then by energy balance.
Energy in left face = Energy out right face + Energy lost by convection

Let excess temperature at any section θ = T  T∞

Let m2 = hP/kA, then we have

Using D operation

Either (D – m) = 0 or (D + m) = 0

where C1 and C2 are constants.

The general solution for temperature distribution is

with boundary conditions

(1) When x = 0, T = T0, θ = θ0 = T0 − T∞

(2) When x = L, T = TL, θ = θL = TL − T∞

The other boundary condition depends on the physical situation. If the temperature is
given at the fin tip TL, then θL = TL − T∞, using Eq (ii) and (iii), we get

Using equation (i) we get the resulting expressions for temperature distribution

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 Heat and Mass Transfer By Brij Bhooshan 7

and heat transfer are

2003
Problem: Show that the governing equation for temperature distribution in a fin of
uniform cross-section is given by

where, θ = T – T1 and m2 = hP/kA.

Further, show that the solution for boundary conditions θ = θ0 at x = 0 and θ = θ1, at x =
L is

[IFoS-2003]
Solution: See the solution of IAS 2000.

2004
Problem: A 1 meter long, 6 m diameter cylinder placed in an atmosphere of 30° C is
provided with 10 longitudinal straight fins (Thermal conductivity k = 150 W/m K). The
fins are 0.80 mm thick and extend 2.5 cm from the cylinder surface. The heat transfer
coefficient between the cylinder and the atmospheric air is 25 W/m2 K. The surface
temperature of the cylinder is 160°C. Calculate:
(i) the rate of heat transfer from cylinder to air,
(ii) the percentage increase in heat transfer by providing fins in comparison to
cylinder without fins,
(iii) the temperature at the end of fins, and
(iv) the efficiency of fins.
[IFoS-2004]
Solution: Given That: Length of cylinder (L) = 1 m, Outside dia (d) = 6 cm, Ts = 160 °C
+ 273 = 433 K, Ta = 30 °C + 273 = 303 K, h = 25 W/m2K, k = 150 W/mK, Number of fin =
10, b = 0.80 mm, Extension of length (l1) = 2.5 cm = 0.025 m.

Heat transfer for one fin

Heat transfer for 10 fins

Heat transfer from unfinned portion of the surface

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8 Chapter 3: Extended Surfaces (Fins)

Total heat transfer from the cylindrical surface

If cylinder were without fins, the heat transfer would be

% increase heat dissipate due to addition of fins

Temperature at the centre of the fin

Fin efficiency

Problem: An electronic semi-conductor device generates heat equal to 480  103 W. In

order to keep the surface temperature at the upper safe limit of 70°C, the generated
heat has to be dissipated to the surrounding which is at 30°C. To accomplish this task,
aluminium fins of 0.7 mm square and 12 mm long are attached to the surface. The
thermal conductivity of aluminium fins is 170 W/mK. If the heat transfer coefficient is
12 W/m2K, calculate the number of fins required. Assume no heat loss from the tip of
fins.
[Engg. Services-2004]
Solution: Given that: Q’ = 480  103 W, Af = 0.7 mm2, Ti = 70°C + 273 = 343 K, T0 =
30°C + 273 = 303 K, l = 12 mm, h = 12 W/m2K, k = 170 W/mK.

Heat transfer for one fin

Now number of fins (n)

2005
Problem: With usual notations, develop an expression for the efficiency of a fin of
uniform cross-section when the heat loss from the tip is considered negligible.
[IAS-2005]
Solution: See the solution of IAS 1996.

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 Heat and Mass Transfer By Brij Bhooshan 9

Problem: The temperature of a gas flowing through a pipe was measured by a mercury-
in-glass thermometer, dipped in an oil-filled steel tube welded radially to the pipeline.
The thermometer indicates a temperature lower than the gas temperature. How large is
the error in the temperature measurement if the thermometer reads 85 °C and the
temperature of the pipe wall is 40 °C? The steel tube is 125 mm long and has a 1.5 mm
thick wall. The thermal conductivity of this tube material is 56 W/m-K and the local
heat transfer coefficient between the gas and the tube is 23.5 W/m2 -K.
In what way the thermometric error can be reduced?
[IAS-2005]
Solution: Given that: Tt = 85°C + 273 = 358 K, TP = 40°C + 273 = 313 K, l = 125 mm =
0.125 m, h = 23.5 W/m2K, k = 56 W/mK, t = 1.5 mm = 1.5 x 10-3 m.
When the heat loss from the tip is neglected.

Measurement error: 99.36°C  85°C = 14.36°C

% of error:

2008
Problem: Define the term "Fin effectiveness". Derive the expression for fin effectiveness
of a fin having cross-sectional area A, perimeter P, length L, connected at its base to a
wall at temperature T1 and transferring heat to the surroundings at temperature Tf
with surface heat transfer coefficient h. Assume cross-sectional dimensions of the fin to
be small relative to its length and heat transfer from the tip of the fin to be negligible.
[IFoS-2008]
Solution: See the solution of IAS 1996.

Problem: Derive the expression for temperature distribution for a fin insulated at the
end. The base temperature of fin is constant. Write typical application for this type of
fin.
[IFoS-2008]
Solution: See the solution of IAS 1996.

2010
Problem: Differentiate between fin efficiency and fin effectiveness.
[Engg. Services-2010]
Solution: See the solution of IAS 1996.

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