Thermal transfer in fins: an analytical and experimental study

This study presents an analytical and experimental investigation of heat transfer in a fin, specifically a cylindrical rod made of aluminium or a similar material with a known thermal conductivity k. The fin, with a diameter of 0.01 m and a length of 0.35 m, was subjected to controlled heating at one end, and temperatures were recorded at specific points along the fin. The experiment aimed to analyze the temperature distribution and validate theoretical models. A Python program was developed to compare the experimental temperature values with theoretical calculations using the governing heat transfer equations, including Fourier's law and energy balance principles. The study further investigates the thermal performance of the fin under different conditions, considering the effects of ambient air and boundary constraints. The research highlights the importance of fine-tuning the heat transfer coefficient mmm to ensure accurate thermal conductivity estimations for similar materials.