Performance analysis and optimization of a thermally non-symmetric annular fin

Considering thermally non-symmetric convective boundary conditions, optimum dimensions of an annular fin which has a rectangular cross-section are investigated. Two-dimensional heat diffusion equation is solved analytically to obtain temperature distribution and heat transfer rate. In this work, fin volume is fixed to obtain the dimensionless geometrical parameters of the fin with maximum heat transfer rates. The optimum geometry which maximizes the heat transfer rate for a given fin volume has been found employing NCONF routine in the IMSL Library. The derived condition of optimality gives an open choice to the designer. (C) 2004 Elsevier Science Ltd.