Temperature distrubution in a cooling fin (result interpretation)

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around the analysis of temperature distribution in a cooling fin with a length of 30mm and a width of 10mm, where the tip is assumed to be adiabatic and the Biot number is less than 0.1. The user calculated a dimensionless temperature distribution using the formula "theta(x) = cosh(m*(1-x/L)) / cosh(m)", resulting in a curve that unexpectedly increases towards the fin tip. In contrast, Ansys modeling indicated a decreasing temperature trend. The confusion stems from a potential error in the calculation of "m", which is defined as "m = sqrt[(P*L*h)/(A*k)]".

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heat transfer principles, specifically in cooling fins.
  • Familiarity with dimensionless temperature distribution calculations.
  • Knowledge of Ansys software for thermal modeling.
  • Basic grasp of hyperbolic functions and their applications in engineering.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the dimensionless temperature distribution formula in cooling fins.
  • Learn how to properly evaluate the parameter "m" in thermal analysis.
  • Explore Ansys thermal modeling techniques for validating analytical results.
  • Investigate the implications of the Biot number on temperature distribution in fins.
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Engineers, thermal analysts, and students studying heat transfer and thermal management in mechanical systems will benefit from this discussion.

eveS
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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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