Adomian decomposition method for a stepped fin space radiator with Internal heat generation

Abstract

In the present study, the aim is to demonstrate the application of the Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM) to obtain a closed form solution of a stepped fin space radiator with temperature-dependent thermal parameters. The effect of internal heat generation is also considered. The thermal conductivity and surface emissivity are considered to be linearly-dependent on the temperature. For validating the employed methodology, the simplified ADM results from the present study have been compared with relevant results available in the literature, which are found to be in good agreement. The effect of pertinent performance parameters such as thickness reduction factor, step length ratio, aspect ratio, radiation-conduction, non-dimensional thermal conductivity and emissivity parameters along with heat generation number on the temperature distribution has been reported. Furthermore, the temperature distribution of the stepped fin space radiator has been compared against that of the straight fin space radiator. It has been found that the local temperature distribution in case of a stepped fin is less as compared to that of a straight fin space radiator. Thus, from enhanced heat transfer point of view as well as from less weight consideration, a stepped fin space radiator is concluded to perform better than a straight fin.