Analysis of Extended Surface

Abstract

Previous work, by the author and others, pertaining to parameterizations for individual fins is reviewed. These parameterizations are the thermal transmission matrices and ratios that were devised to facilitate the analysis of an assembly of individual fins into an array of extended surface. An elaboration of the usefulness of these parameters, particularly with regard to their superiority over the notion of fin efficiency or fin effectiveness, is made. The concept of reciprocity is developed and the representation of an individual fin as a connection of just three simple resistances is developed. A procedure for the nodal analysis of finned arrays is developed via a matrix-oriented approach.