Steady heat transfer through a two-dimensional rectangular straight fin

Abstract

Exact solutions for models describing heat transfer in a two-dimensional rectangular fin are constructed. Thermal conductivity, internal energy generation function, and heat transfer coefficient are assumed to be dependent on temperature. We apply the Kirchoff transformation on the governing equation. Exact solutions satisfying the realistic boundary conditions are constructed for the resulting linear equation. Symmetry analysis is carried out to classify the internal heat generation function, and some reductions are performed. Furthermore, the effects of physical parameters such as extension factor (the purely geometric fin parameter) and Biot number on temperature are analyzed. Heat flux and fin efficiency are studied. © 2011 Raseelo J. Moitsheki and Atish Rowjee.