Comparative Analysis of Power-Law Fin-Type Problems Using Variational Iteration Method and Finite Element Method

Abstract

Variational iteration method is applied to examine the temperature distribution within a single fin with a one-dimensional steady-state nonlinear heat conduction equation. Variation of temperature due to different levels of nonlinearities is analyzed. The results obtained by means of variational iteration method are compared with the results obtained from finite element method. A fourth iteration variational iteration solution is used in all cases considered. An error analysis is also conducted to evaluate the performance of proposed solution technique. The results have shown that variational iteration method is a powerful solution technique in the analysis of power-law fin-type problems.