Author(s)

B. Kundu, K.-S. Lee, A. Campo

Abstract

An approximate analytical technique is developed to determine the performance of a rectangular stepped annular fin with a constant base temperature. An algebraic expression based on the mean value theorem is used as an approximation tool. The corresponding temperature distribution and heat transfer characteristics in the fin are determined as exponential functions. The standard Modified Bessel function formulation exists for the exact analysis. Error analysis was carried out to compare the exact and approximate results. It is observed that the integral approach of calculating heat transfer is more accurate than the differential approach while applying the approximate analytic technique. The error associated with the approximate analytic methods is well within the accuracy level for analysis and design.

Keywords

annular fin, exact analytical method, approximate analytical method, step profile