Optimization of a rectangular profile annular fin based on fixed fin height

摘要

The optimum performance and fin length of a rectangular profile annular fin are presented using a variations separation method. For fixed fin height, the optimum fin length and efficiency are arbitrarily defined as those for which the heat loss is in the range between 90% and 99% of the maximum heat loss. The maximum heat loss, the maximum effectiveness, the minimum fin resistance, the optimum fin length and the optimum efficiency are presented as a function of the inside fluid convection characteristic number, fin base thickness, fin height and ambient convection characteristic number. One of the results shows that the optimum fin length decreases almost linearly with the increase of the fin base thickness.