Effects of Geometrical Parameters on Natural Convective Heat Transfer From Vertically-Mounted Rectangular Interrupted Fins

Steady-state external natural convection heat transfer from vertically-mounted rectangular interrupted fins is investigated numerically and experimentally. To perform an experimental study, a custom-designed testbed was developed to verify the analytical and numerical results. FLUENT software was used in order to develop a 2-D numerical model for investigation of interruption effects. After regenerating, and validating the existing analytical results for fin spacing, a systematic numerical and experimental study was conducted on effect of fin interruption. Results show that adding interruptions to vertical rectangular fins enhances the thermal performance of fins. In a parametric study optimum interruption length for maximum fin performance was found and correlated.