Abstract
Purpose
– Heat transfer inside wavy fins is analyzed in this work. The paper aim to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
– Six different types of wavy fins are considered. The fin equation for each fin type is solved using a high accurate finite difference method. Excellent agreement is obtained between the numerical solution under zero wave amplitude and the exact solution of the plain fin.
Findings
– The following wavy fin types and conditions are found to produce larger heat transfer rate and its volumetric value than those for the plain fin and other wavy fins: short fins with parallel wavy profiles and large surface-wave frequency; long fins with symmetric wavy surface around the length axis, positive cross-sectional area gradient at the base, and large surface-wave frequency; and long fins with symmetric wavy profiles around the length axis, positive cross-sectional area gradient at the base, and small surface-wave frequency.
Research limitations/implications
– In addition, both fins with symmetric wavy surface around the width axis and parallel wavy surfaces along the width axis have same performance indicators. Also, these wavy fins possess higher fin efficiency than either that of the plain fin or those of the other types of wavy fins.
Originality/value
– Finally, heat transfer enhancements in the studied wavy fins are increased by increases in the excess of the surface area, cross-sectional area gradient at the base, arc length and arc width relative to those of the plain fin.