All questions of Fins for Mechanical Engineering Exam

Fins are used to increase heat transfer rate from a surface by
1. increasing the temperature difference
2. increasing the effective surface area
3. increasing the convective heat transfer coefficient
4. decreasing the thermal conductivity
Which of the above are true?
  • a)
    1 and 2
  • b)
    1,3 and 4
  • c)
    2 only
  • d)
    4 only
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

Fins are widely used in various engineering applications for enhancing the heat transfer rate from a surface. The primary function of fins is to increase the effective surface area of a heat transfer surface so that more heat can be transferred from the surface. However, fins can also affect other parameters that affect heat transfer rate. Let's discuss each of the given options one by one:

1. Increasing the Temperature Difference:
Increasing the temperature difference between the surface and the surrounding fluid can enhance the heat transfer rate. However, fins do not directly affect the temperature difference between the surface and the fluid. Therefore, option 1 is incorrect.

2. Increasing the Effective Surface Area:
Fins are designed to increase the effective surface area of a heat transfer surface. By increasing the surface area, the contact area between the surface and the fluid increases, which enhances the heat transfer rate. Therefore, option 2 is correct.

3. Increasing the Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient:
Convective heat transfer coefficient is a measure of the efficiency of heat transfer between a surface and a fluid. Fins can enhance the convective heat transfer coefficient by promoting fluid flow and turbulence around the surface. However, fins do not directly affect the convective heat transfer coefficient. Therefore, option 3 is incorrect.

4. Decreasing the Thermal Conductivity:
Thermal conductivity is a measure of the ability of a material to conduct heat. Fins do not affect the thermal conductivity of the surface material. Therefore, option 4 is incorrect.

Conclusion:
From the above explanation, it is clear that option 2 is correct, and options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is option C, i.e., 2 only.

Consider the following statements regarding fin of minimum weight
1. The weight saved by using the triangular fin is 44%.
2. The difference in weight between a fin in shape of circular arc and the fin of triangular shape is very large.
3. The triangular shape fin is regarded as best shape as it is much easier to manufacture.
4. Weight of fin is of paramount importance for the design of cooling device used in aircraft.
Which of the above are correct?
  • a)
    1, 2 and 4
  • b)
    1, 3 and 4
  • c)
    2, 3 and 4
  • d)
    1, 2 and 
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ameya Kaur answered
Understanding the Statements on Fin Design
To analyze the correctness of each statement about fins of minimum weight, let's break down the provided information.
1. Weight Savings of Triangular Fins
- The claim that a triangular fin saves 44% of the weight compared to other shapes is generally supported by empirical studies. Triangular fins are often found to minimize material usage while maintaining efficiency.
2. Weight Difference Between Fin Shapes
- The assertion that the weight difference between a fin shaped like a circular arc and a triangular fin is very large may not hold universally true. While there can be differences, they are not always significant enough to deem one shape vastly superior in all applications.
3. Manufacturing Ease of Triangular Fins
- The statement that triangular fins are easier to manufacture is accurate. Their simple geometric shape allows for straightforward fabrication processes, making them a preferred choice in many applications.
4. Importance of Fin Weight in Aircraft Cooling Devices
- This statement is valid. In aircraft design, minimizing weight is crucial for overall performance, fuel efficiency, and payload capacity. Thus, the weight of fins in cooling systems is indeed of paramount importance.
Conclusion
Based on the evaluations:
- Statement 1 is correct.
- Statement 2 is misleading as the differences may not always be "very large."
- Statement 3 is correct.
- Statement 4 is correct.
Thus, the correct options are 1, 3, and 4, aligning with option 'B'.

A fin will be necessary and effective only when 
where k = thermal conductivity of fin material, h = convective heat transfer coefficient between the fin surface and environment temperature
  • a)
    k is small and h is large
  • b)
    k is large and h is also large
  • c)
    k is small and h is also small
  • d)
    k is large and h is small
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ananya Sharma answered
Understanding the Problem:
The problem states that a fin will be necessary and effective only when the thermal conductivity of the fin material (k) is large and the convective heat transfer coefficient between the fin surface and the environment temperature (h) is small. We need to determine why this combination of parameters is necessary for the fin to be effective.

Explanation:

Role of Thermal Conductivity (k):
The thermal conductivity (k) of a material determines how well it can conduct heat. A high thermal conductivity means that the material can transfer heat efficiently. In the context of a fin, a large value of k implies that the fin can conduct heat from its base to its tip effectively.

Role of Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient (h):
The convective heat transfer coefficient (h) represents the effectiveness of heat transfer between the fin surface and the surrounding environment. It depends on various factors such as the nature of the fluid, flow conditions, and geometry of the fin. A small value of h indicates poor heat transfer between the fin surface and the environment.

Reasoning:
To understand why a large k and a small h are necessary for an effective fin, let's consider the heat transfer process in a fin.

Heat is transferred from the base of the fin to the tip through conduction. The fin's purpose is to increase the surface area available for heat transfer and enhance the heat dissipation from the system. The effectiveness of the fin is determined by how efficiently it can transfer heat from the base to the tip and then dissipate it into the surrounding environment.

If the thermal conductivity (k) of the fin material is small, it means that the fin cannot conduct heat effectively from the base to the tip. This would result in poor heat transfer along the length of the fin, making it less efficient in dissipating heat.

On the other hand, if the convective heat transfer coefficient (h) between the fin surface and the environment is large, it means that there is efficient heat transfer between the fin and the surrounding fluid. In this case, the convection process becomes dominant, and the fin's ability to conduct heat internally becomes less important.

Conclusion:
Based on the above reasoning, we can conclude that a fin will be necessary and effective when the thermal conductivity (k) is large and the convective heat transfer coefficient (h) is small. In this scenario, the fin can effectively conduct heat from the base to the tip and efficiently transfer it to the surrounding environment through convection.

A fin protrudes from a surface which is held at a temperature higher than that of its environments. The heat transferred away from the fin is
  • a)
    heat escaping from the tip of the fin
  • b)
    heat conducted along the fin length​
  • c)
    convective heat transfer from the fin surface
  • d)
    sum of heat conducted along the fin length and that converted from the surface
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The correct answer to the question is option 'C', which states that the heat transferred away from the fin is convective heat transfer from the fin surface. Let's understand why this is the correct answer by considering the different modes of heat transfer involved.

Heat transfer can occur through three modes: conduction, convection, and radiation. In this scenario, the fin is protruding from a surface that is held at a temperature higher than that of its surroundings. This means that there is a temperature gradient between the fin and its surroundings, which drives the heat transfer.

*Conduction along the fin length*

Conduction is the transfer of heat through a solid material, and it occurs when there is a temperature gradient within the material. In the case of the fin, there will be heat transfer through conduction along its length. However, this heat transfer is not the dominant mode of heat transfer in this scenario because the fin is exposed to a higher temperature surface.

*Convective heat transfer from the fin surface*

Convective heat transfer occurs when there is a fluid (such as air or water) in motion, and it involves the transfer of heat between the surface of a solid object and the fluid. In this case, the fin is exposed to its surroundings, which may include air. The air near the fin surface will be heated due to the temperature difference between the fin and its surroundings. This heated air will then rise and be replaced by cooler air, creating a convective heat transfer from the fin surface. This convective heat transfer is the dominant mode of heat transfer in this scenario.

*Heat escaping from the tip of the fin*

Heat escaping from the tip of the fin can occur, but it is a result of the convective heat transfer from the fin surface. As the heated air rises from the fin surface, some of it may escape from the tip of the fin. However, this heat transfer is a part of the convective heat transfer process and not an independent mode of heat transfer.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C' - convective heat transfer from the fin surface.

A thermocouple in a thermowell measures the temperature of hot gas flowing through the pipe for the most accurate measurement of temperature, the thermowell should be made of
  • a)
    Steel
  • b)
    Brass
  • c)
    Copper
  • d)
    Aluminium
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rashi Shah answered

Material Selection for Thermowell

Steel
- Steel is the most suitable material for a thermowell in this scenario due to its high strength, durability, and corrosion resistance.
- It can withstand high temperatures and pressures without deforming or deteriorating, making it ideal for measuring hot gas flow.

Brass, Copper, and Aluminium
- Brass, copper, and aluminium are not preferred for this application as they have lower strength and thermal resistance compared to steel.
- These materials may not be able to withstand the harsh conditions of hot gas flow, leading to inaccurate temperature measurements or even thermowell failure.

Key Points
- Steel is the best choice for a thermowell in this case due to its superior mechanical properties and resistance to high temperatures.
- Using materials like brass, copper, or aluminium may result in unreliable temperature readings and potential thermowell damage.

Usually fins are provided to increase the rate of heat transfer but fin also acts as insulation which one of the following non-dimensional number decides this factor
  • a)
    Eckert number
  • b)
    Biot number
  • c)
    Fourier number
  • d)
    Peclet number
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

Biot Number:
The Biot number is a dimensionless number used in heat transfer calculations. It relates the rate of heat transfer within a solid to the resistance to heat transfer at the surface of the solid. In the context of fins, the Biot number is crucial in determining the balance between heat transfer enhancement and insulation effects.

Insulation Effect of Fins:
- Fins are used to increase the rate of heat transfer by increasing the surface area for convection or radiation.
- However, fins also act as insulation due to the additional material that needs to be heated or cooled.

Role of Biot Number:
- A high Biot number indicates that the resistance to heat transfer at the surface is significant compared to the resistance within the solid.
- In the case of fins, a high Biot number suggests that the insulation effect of the fin is more dominant, limiting the effectiveness of the fin in enhancing heat transfer.
- Conversely, a low Biot number indicates that the resistance within the solid is significant, leading to better heat transfer enhancement with the use of fins.

Conclusion:
In the context of fins, the Biot number plays a crucial role in determining whether the fin will primarily act as a heat transfer enhancer or an insulator. By considering the Biot number, engineers can optimize the design of fins for efficient heat transfer applications.

Fins are made as thin as possible to
  • a)
    reduce the total weight
  • b)
    accommodate more number of fins
  • c)
    increase the width for the same profile area
  • d)
    improve flow of coolant around the fin
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anuj Chauhan answered
Fins in Heat Transfer

Introduction:
Fins are an important component in heat transfer applications, such as heat exchangers, radiators, and electronic cooling systems. They are designed to enhance the rate of heat transfer from a solid surface to the surrounding fluid. Fins are typically made of a highly conductive material, such as aluminum or copper, to maximize heat transfer.

Objective of Fins:
The primary objective of using fins is to increase the surface area available for heat transfer. By increasing the surface area, fins allow for a larger contact area between the solid surface and the fluid, promoting a higher rate of heat transfer. The design of fins is therefore crucial in achieving efficient heat transfer.

Thin Fins:
Fins are made as thin as possible to accommodate a greater number of fins. This means that the thickness of each fin is minimized to allow for more fins to be placed in a given space. This has several advantages:

1. Increased Surface Area: By making the fins thinner, more fins can be packed together, resulting in a larger total surface area. This increased surface area leads to a higher rate of heat transfer as more area is available for heat exchange.

2. Improved Heat Transfer: Thinner fins offer a shorter pathway for heat to travel from the solid surface to the fluid. This reduces the thermal resistance and enhances heat transfer efficiency. The heat can quickly transfer through the thin fins and dissipate into the surrounding fluid.

3. Optimized Flow of Coolant: Thinner fins allow for better flow of coolant around the fin surfaces. The narrow gaps between the fins facilitate the movement of coolant, ensuring effective cooling and preventing the formation of stagnant areas. This improves the overall cooling performance of the system.

4. Reduced Weight and Cost: Thinner fins result in a lighter and less bulky heat transfer system, which can be advantageous in various applications. Additionally, using thinner fins reduces the amount of material required, leading to cost savings in production.

Conclusion:
In summary, fins are made as thin as possible in heat transfer applications to accommodate a greater number of fins. Thinner fins increase the surface area, improve heat transfer efficiency, optimize coolant flow, and reduce weight and cost. By carefully designing and selecting the appropriate fin dimensions, engineers can achieve efficient heat transfer and enhance the performance of heat transfer systems.

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