Application of Modified Bessel Functions in Extended Surface Heat Transfer Problems

Modified Bessel functions are encountered in a range of engineering applications. This paper presents one such application in the analysis of extended surface heat transfer. Two classical problems of annular and triangular fins are selected for the purpose of this study. DIfferential equations describing the temperature distribution along the fins are formulated from the fundamentals of conduction and convection heat transfer, and the solutions of the equations are presented. Due to the tedious nature of the modified Bessel functions involved in the solutions, approximate relationships for the functions are recommended, and a simplified met.hod for calculating fin efficiency is also discussed