A Theoretical Investigation Into the Optimal Longitudinal Profile of a Horizontal Pin Fin of Least Material Under the Influence of Natural Convection

Abstract

Fundamental level research is presented in this paper discovering the optimum pin fin profile maximizing material utilization (maximum heat transfer with minimum volume) in the case of natural convection. Although this problem has been studied in the past, the current research allows for an axially variable convective heat transfer coefficient due to the axially variable diameter in such pin fins. The current model is compared with previous studies assuming a constant convective heat transfer coefficient. The comparison shows the prior solutions to be special cases of the model in the current research.