Multiple choice

Which one of the following configurations has the highest fin effectiveness?

  1. Thin, closely spaced fins

  2. Thin, widely spaced fins

  3. Thick, widely spaced fins

  4. Thick, closely spaced fins
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A Correct answer
Explanation

The performance of the fins is judged on the basis of the enhancement in heat transfer area relative to the no fin case. The fin effectiveness. $$\epsilon_{fin} = \frac{\text{Heat transfer rate from the fin of base area}}{\text{Heat transfer rate from the surface area}}$$

 When determining the rate of heat transfer from a finned surface, we must consider the unfinned portion of the surface as well as the fins and number of fins. Thin and closed spaced fin configuration, the unfinned portion of surface is reduced and number of fins is increased. Hence the fin effectiveness will be maximum for thin and closely spaced fins.

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