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Updated: Nov 27, 2025

Characterization of Thermal Transport in One-dimensional Solid Materials
Published on: January 26, 2014
Constructal Equivalent Thermal Resistance Minimization for Tau-Shaped Fin.
Shuhuan Wei1,2,3, Huijun Feng1,2,3, Lingen Chen1,2
1Institute of Thermal Science and Power Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China.
This study optimizes Tau-shaped fins (TAUSF) for minimal thermal resistance using constructal and entransy theories. Optimal designs enhance stiffness and temperature gradient uniformity, guiding practical fin engineering.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Heat Transfer
- Material Science
Background:
- Fins are crucial for enhancing heat transfer in various engineering applications.
- Optimizing fin geometry is essential for maximizing thermal performance and structural integrity.
- Existing T-shaped fins have limitations in stiffness and temperature gradient uniformity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and optimize the thermal performance of Tau-shaped fins (TAUSF).
- To determine optimal geometric parameters (width ratio, length ratio) for minimum equivalent thermal resistance (ETR).
- To compare the optimized TAUSF with T-shaped fins under volume constraints.
Main Methods:
- Application of constructal theory and entransy theory.
- Optimization of TAUSF geometry based on minimizing entransy dissipation rate for minimum ETR.
- Consideration of constraints on total enveloping volume and fin material volume.
Main Results:
- An optimal width ratio and length ratio were identified for minimizing ETR of TAUSF.
- Optimized TAUSF shows a slight decrease in heat transfer performance but increased stiffness compared to T-shaped fins.
- The optimal TAUSF structure differs significantly from one optimized for maximum thermal resistance, yielding a 10.58% lower ETR.
Conclusions:
- The optimized TAUSF design offers improved temperature gradient uniformity and reduced thermal stress.
- The findings provide valuable guidance for the engineering design of practical fins with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties.
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