A quasi-analytical solution of homogeneous extended surfaces heat diffusion equation

Abstract Background In this study, a quasi-analytical solution for longitudinal fin and pin heat conduction problems is investigated. Methods The differential transform method, which is based on the Taylor series expansion, is adapted for the development of the solution. The proposed differential transform solution uses a set of mathematical operations to transform the heat conduction equation together with the fin profile in order to yield a closeform series of homogeneous extended surface heat diffusion equation. Results and conclusions The application of the proposed differential transform method solution to longitudinal fins of rectangular and triangular profiles and pins of cylindrical and conical profiles heat conduction problems showed an excellent agreement on both fin temperature and efficiencies when compared to exact results. Therefore, the proposed differential transform method can be useful for optimal design of practical extended surfaces with suitable profile for temperature response