Temperature distrubution in a cooling fin (result interpretation)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the analysis of temperature distribution in a cooling fin, where a minimum temperature is observed at about two-thirds of the fin's length, contrary to expected behavior. The user is confused by this result, as simulations in Ansys show a consistent decrease in temperature towards the fin's tip. A calculation involving a dimensionless temperature distribution formula is presented, but the user suspects an error in their calculations. Another participant suggests that the expression for "m" is likely miscalculated, indicating that the minimum should occur at the fin's tip instead. The conversation highlights the importance of verifying calculations in thermal analysis.
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I am analyzing the lengthwise temperature distribution in a cooling fin (length: 30mm, width: 10mm, the tip is assumed to be adiabatic, Biot number is smaller than 0.1).

When I try to calculate the dimensionless temperature distribution (see calculation below), I obtain a curve which has a minimum at about 2/3 of the fin length and increases again after that (see attachment).

I don't understand why the temperature should increase again towards the tip of the fin. Using Ansys to model the fin I obtained the other curve in the graph, which shows decreasing temperatures towards the tip of the fin (and makes more sense to me).
I don't know whether I am making a mistake in my calculations, or whether there is a simple explanation.
Any advice would be appreciated!

calculation:

distribution "theta" (x) = cosh(m*(1-x/L)) / cosh(m) ,

where m= sqrt [ ( P*L*h) / (A*k) ]

L=length
P=perimeter
A=area
h=heat transfer coefficient
k=thermal conductivity
 

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distribution "theta" (x) = cosh(m*(1-x/L)) / cosh(m)

Pretty sure you've made a mistake in evaluating the above. For "m" a constant that expression definitely achieves its minimum when x = L.
 
Thanks for the suggestion uart, I'm not sure why it wasn't working, but it does now:)
 
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