Optimum design of radiating and convecting-radiating fins

The article of record as published may be found at https://doi.org/10.1080/01457639608939880The design of fins of optimum dimensions of specified shapes has been pursued by numerous investigators, and a significant body of literature has accumulated over the past 70 years. Of this, the literature pertaining to purely convecting fins has been systematically organized in a review article by Aziz. At that time, it was felt that there was a need for a similar review covering the design of radiating and convecting-radiating fins with optimum dimensions. The present article has been prepared to fulfill this need. Like its predecessor, the article seeks to achieve three objectives. The first objective is to provide an overview of the literature and to identify future research needs. The second objective is to provide a convenient design reference for the practicing engineer. The third objective is to create an instructional resource on the topic. To meet the last two objectives, several design examples are interspersed throughout the article.USDO