PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF CONVECTIVE ANNULAR FINS WITHINTERNAL HEAT-GENERATION

An analysis of the thermal performance for convective annular fins, ha ving a general trapezoidal profile and internal heat generation, is pr esented. The solution of the optimal problem is also given when either the heat dissipation rate or the volume of the fin is specified. The results are expressed in suitable nondimensional variables that are sp ecified by the problem, and presented graphically. The effect of the f in's profile and thermal conductivity upon the optimum dimensions is d iscussed. It is shown that the presence of heat generation reduces the ability of the fin to convect heat. Furthermore, certain limiting val ues of the heat generation that may be imposed on the fin for a feasib le optimization are also derived.