Numerical Methods in Fins with Excel and MATLAB

In this paper, numerical methods are applied through the implementation of finite difference routines using Excel and MATLAB to calculate the heating and cooling times of a square plate supporting fins using aluminum and steel as materials. Four cases are analyzed for the same fin model: the first one is heating with hot air, the second one is heating with hot air, the third case is heating with air and then with air but reducing the fin thickness by half, and the fourth case is cold air cooling, but in all cases the plate area remains unchanged. Numerical methods are used as the mathematical tool to solve the system of equations derived from applying an energy balance to the nodes in the fin. These solutions provide temperature as a function of time for each material, based on the fin design. MATLAB was used to develop the simulation code, and Excel was employed to implement the equations in each cell. The results obtained in this study align with findings from existing literature. This approach serves as a valuable tool for mechanical engineering students interested in simulating thermodynamic effects in materials and extending the analysis to estimate heating or cooling times, as well as the efficiency of fins made from other materials.