Analytical decomposition solutions for heat transfer on straight fins with temperature dependent thermal conductivity and internal heat generation
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka- Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
J Ther Eng 2019; 5(1): 76-92 DOI: 10.18186/thermal.505489
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Abstract

This paper analyses heat transfer across straight convecting fins with temperature dependent thermal conductivity and internal heat generation using the Adomian decomposition method (ADM). The ADM is the preferred analytical scheme adopted to provide approximate solutions to nonlinear equations arising from the dependence of thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficient on temperature distribution. The effect of parameters such as internal heat generation, thermo geometric and thermal conductivity on the temperature profile and heat flux is studied. Where results reveal that thermo geometric parameter and thermal conductivity causes a significant increase in heat transfer across fin base. This study provides useful insight to fins operational performance in applications such as radiators, boilers, refrigeration devices, oil pipelines amongst others. Comparison of solutions with existing works in literature forms good agreement.