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Critical thickness of an optimum extended surface characterized by uniform heat transfer coefficient

We consider the heat transfer problem associated with a periodic array of extended surfaces (fins) subjected to convection heat transfer with a uniform heat transfer coefficient. Our analysis differs from the classical approach as (i) we consider two-dimensional heat conduction and (ii) the base of the fin is included in the heat transfer process. The problem is modeled as an arbitrary two-dimensional channel whose upper surface is flat and isothermal, while the lower surface has a periodic array of extensions/fins which are subjected to heat convection with a uniform heat transfer coefficient. Using the generalized Schwarz-Christoffel transformation the domain is mapped onto a straight channel where the heat conduction problem is solved using the boundary element method. The boundary element solution is subsequently used to pose a shape optimization problem, i.e. an inverse problem, where the objective function is the normalized Shape Factor and the variables of the optimization are the parameters of the Schwarz-Christoffel transformation. Numerical optimization suggests that the optimum fin is infinitely thin and that there exists a critical Biot number that characterizes whether the addition of the fin would result in an enhancement of heat transfer. The existence of a critical Biot number was investigated for the case of rectangular fins. {\bf It is concluded that a rectangular fin is effective if its thickness is less than} $1.64 k/h$, where the $h$ is the heat transfer coefficient and $k$ is the thermal conductivity. This result is independent of both the thickness of the base and the length of the fin.