EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF FINS WITH DIFFERENT CROSS SECTONS

EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF FINS WITH DIFFERENT CROSS SECTIONS

ABSTRACT

The fins are generally used to increase the heat transfer rate from the system to the surroundings by increasing the heat transfer area. The fins are generally extended surfaces or projections of materials on the system.

The fins are commonly used on small power developing machine as engines used for motorcycles as well as small capacity compressors. They are also used in many refrigeration systems (evaporators and condensers) for increasing the heat transfer rates.

In the present analysis, the fins that are of different cross sections and of same material (aluminum) are considered. The knowledge of efficiency and effectiveness of the fin are necessary for proper design of fins. The main objective of our analysis is to determine the most effective cross section among the various cross sections available. The efficiency and effectiveness of various cross sections are determined experimentally by cross sectional area and volume as constant for each cross section.

The various cross sections, which are adopted, are:
•    Triangular
•    Square
•    Hexagon
•    Hollow triangle
•    Hollow circular
•    Hollow Square

The fins, which are taken in the analysis, are experimented for the condition of fin with insulated end i.e. the fin is short fin with insulated end. Comparison is made among the solid sections and between the hollow and solid sections. The graphs plotted give a clear view of the comparisons. In the experiment, various cross sections of aluminum are taken due to its lightweight and high conductivity and it is most widely used in the industrial applications.