Optimization of a Pin Fin With Variable Base Thickness

Abstract

A pin fin with variable fin base thickness is optimized using a two-dimensional analytic method. The values of the inner wall temperature and fin volume are given as constants. The fin base temperature varies with variation in the fin base thickness, fin outer radius, fin length, and convection characteristic number. Under these conditions, the optimum heat loss, the corresponding optimum fin effectiveness, fin length, and fin outer radius are presented as functions of the fin base thickness, fin volume, and convection characteristic number. One of the results shows that both the optimum heat loss and optimum fin length decrease linearly with increase in the fin base thickness.