THE EFFECTS OF INTERNAL HEAT-GENERATION, ANISOTROPY, AND BASE TEMPERATURE NONUNIFORMITY ON HEAT-TRANSFER FROM A 2-DIMENSIONAL RECTANGULAR FIN

A finite-element approach is used to study the two-dimensional performance of a straight fin of rectangular profile operating in a convecting environment. The analysis includes the effects of internal heat generation, anisotropy of fin material, base temperature elevation (depression), and unequal heat transfer coefficients for tip and main convection surfaces. Numerical results are presented showing the impact of these effects on the heat removal capability of the fin. The graphical information provided is believed to be useful for predicting the performance of a two-dimensional rectangular fin under more general and realistic conditions.