University of Arkansas
MEEG3212
PIN FIN CONVECTIVE HEAT TRANSFER
Brad Daniel
Student - University of Arkansas
Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States
ABSTRACT
Fins are useful in increasing the amount of heat transferred
from a body to its surroundings. Fins are commonly used in
electronics, heating/cooling systems, and various machines.
In this lab, the convective heat transfer coefficient of an
aluminum pin fin was to be determined experimentally. The pin
fin was heated at the base until steady state conditions could be
assumed. A computer model was generated based on the
temperature gradient of the pin.
The temperature gradient was determined by
experimentation. Changes in temperature along the length of
the pin fin were observed and noted by measuring the
temperature at various locations. The collected data was to be
used in the computer model to determine the value of the
convective heat transfer coefficient.
NOMENCLATURE
h Convective heat transfer coefficient
p Perimeter
k Thermal conductivity
Ac Area of the cross section
L Length
𝑄̇ Rate of heat transfer
INTRODUCTION
In this experiment, we will determine the convective heat
transfer coefficient of the pin fin. The temperature of the
aluminum rod is a function of length assuming steady state
conditions. By making these assumptions, we can estimate the
value of h with a computer model based on temperatures taken
at increments of 1 inch along the rod.
This lab is based on the following objectives:
 Measure the dimensions of the aluminum rod to be
tested.
 Generate a computer model using SolidWorks
April 6, 2014, Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA
010675548
 Use a thermal analysis for the computer model to
determine value of h.
 Compare the model data with the theoretical concepts.
As a general statement, the heat transfer of a system is
determined by:
𝑄̇ = ℎ𝐴(𝑇 − 𝑇∞ ) (4.1)
(Cengel/Ghajar, 1)
It is assumed that the system is at steady state. Because this
concept is assumed, it can be said that 𝑄̇ , A, and 𝑇∞ are
constant. Therefore, we must assume that T is a function of the
convective heat transfer coefficient, h.
Based on this assumption, we can determine the value of h
by collecting experimental values for T. Then, by modeling the
pin fin in the computer, we can vary the value of h to get close
to the experimental temperature profile.
When the approximate value of h is found, the temperature
profile can be graphed as a function of position on the fin. The
function generated by the computer data can be compared to
that of the actual experimental data.
EQUIPMENT
 Calipers - To measure the test specimen
 3D Modeling Software (SolidWorks) - To model
the pin fin and simulate a thermal analysis
 Base Block - Aluminum block which the pin is
inserted.
 Hot Plate - To supply the base block with heat
 Water in glass beaker - To reduce the thermal
resistance from the hot plate to the base block
 Lab Jack - Data acquisition device
 Thermocouple - For temperature readings
 Operation Amplifier - To amplify the voltage
signal from the thermocouple
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  10k Ω Resistor - For use with the Op-Amp
The data was plotted in excel and compared to the data
PROCEDURE collected from the thermal analysis as seen in Figure 2
To set up the experiment, the dimensions of the aluminum “Temperature Profile”.
bar and base block must be measured. The beaker is filled with
water and the base block is inserted into the beaker (Be sure to
begin with the water level as high as possible to ensure low
thermal resistance). The hot plate must be turned to the highest
setting. Allow the water to boil. While the pin fin is warming,
insert the pin fin into the furthest hole from the base block and
observe the temperature. When the temperature seems to level
off, we will assume steady state conditions. A sketch of the
setup can be seen in appendix 1.
Now that a steady state has been achieved, record the
temperature in each hole along the pin fin (Be sure to record the
temperature of the base block as well. This data will be used to
compare to the computer model. Trendlines were created to compare the results of the two tests
The computer model is generated from the measured where temperature (in Kelvin) is a function of distance from the
dimensions and mass properties of the pin fin. 2024 aluminum base block (in inches).
alloy was used as the model material. (note: the material was For the experimental data:
determined according to the closest mass properties). Only the 𝑓(𝑥) = −0.0012𝑥 3 + 0.2645𝑥 2 − 5.5844𝑥 + 355.24 (4.2)
length of the fin that extended from the base block was For the thermal analysis:
modeled. The outer and end surfaces of the cylinder were 𝑔(𝑥) = −0.0093𝑥 3 + 0.4914𝑥 2 − 7.8347𝑥 + 362.87 (4.3)
selected to model convective heat transfer. The other end was
set with a constant temperature to model a steady state from the The convective heat transfer coefficient was determined by
base block. evaluating the temperature of the location of the last hole in the
With the model correctly configured, run the thermal pin fin and was found to be 10.25 W/m*K. The value of h was
simulation and guess the value of h. Use the probe tool to view said to be determined when the temperature at 11 inches in the
the temperature along the fin and compare the model to the computer model was the same as the experimental temperature
experimental data. When the model closely represents the at 11 inches.
thermal profile of the experimental pin fin, export the As the data in Figure 2 displays, the experimental and
temperature data as an excel file using the probe tool and record computer functions converge toward the end.
the value of h that was found. The uncertainty in the recorded vs the theoretical values in
Create graphs of the computer data and experimental data temperature can be observed by evaluating the two trendlines.
to compare the results. In this case, the uncertainty can be evaluated as a percent error
from the theoretical value. Assuming that the computer model
is completely correct, we find the following:
RESULTS 𝑔(𝑥)−𝑓(𝑥)
Table 1 “Pin Fin Temperature Profile” displays the % 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = (4.4)
𝑔(𝑥)
temperature profile of the experimental data.
Table 1 “Lab Data” The functions are from the graph in figure 2. This gives the
Temp(Kelvin) Distance(Inches) error as a percent of the theoretical temperature determined in
324.2 1 SolidWorks at any given point on the pin fin.
324.6 2
325.7 3
327 4
328.4 5 DISCUSSION
331.1 6 The convective heat transfer coefficient was hard to
333.8 7 determine because it required a “guess and check” method.
336.9 8 Compared to the Temperatures in the computer model, the test
data was fairly accurate. It should be noted that although some
340.9 9 losses may not have been accounted for, the temperature
345.3 10 trendlines did converge toward the end of the pin fin.
349.8 11

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 Some losses may be due to the base losing more heat than
expected because the water in the beaker evaporated during the
duration of the experiment. Another factor of error could result
from the air conditioner vents being above the desks in the lab
creating some forced external convection on the fin. It should
however be noted that the temperature at each hole was better
measured when a small drop of water was inserted before using
the thermocouple to collect data.
The experiment could be improved by increasing the
length of the fin as well as decreasing the diameter so that it
could be assumed that the end temperature of the fin is equal to
T∞. By making this assumption, the fin could be modeled as an
“infinitely long” pin fin. This would allow the heat transfer
coefficient to be calculated truly theoretically with relative
ease. The temperature of the pin fin at any point could then be
determined theoretically and compared to the expiramental
data.

REFERENCES
1. Yunus A. Cengel and Afshin J. Ghajar
Heat and Mass Transfer Fundamentals
and Applications. P.163, 3-6 Heat
Transfer From Finned Surfaces

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APENDIX 1

LAB DATA

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