Journal of Science and Technology

ISSN: 2456-5660 Volume 5, Issue 5, Sep-October 2020

www.jst.org.in DOI: https://doi.org/10.46243/jst.2020.v5.i5.pp16-27

Thermal Analysis on Pin-Fins With Hexagonal & Threaded

Geometry In Natural and Forced Convection
CH.V. Lakshmi¹, A. Vikranth², R. Tharun naidu³, J. Gowtham⁴, A. Vishnu⁵
1
(Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SITAM-GVP, Andhra Pradesh, India)
2,3,4,5
(Department of Mechanical Engineering, SITAM-GVP, Andhra Pradesh, India)
1
Corresponding Author: [email protected]
To Cite this Article
CH.V. Lakshmi, A. Vikranth, R. Tharun naidu, J. Gowtham and A. Vishnu, “Thermal Analysis on Pin-Fins With Hexagonal
& Threaded Geometry In Natural And Forced Convection”, Journal of Science and Technology, Vol. 05, Issue 05, Sep-
October 2020, pp16-27

Article Info
Received: 30-04-2020 Revised: 28-07-2020 Accepted: 30-07-2020 Published: 03-08-2020
Abstract: In the present work of heat transfer for hexagonal fins (1mm & 2mm) grooves on surface and threaded fin is
addressed. The test has been performed on three different fin geometries having hexagonal (1mm)groove,
hexagonal(2mm)groove, threaded fin(0.5mm)pitch and test performed by using a centrifugal blower, test section, heater and
test panel and Results are obtained for temperature distribution, effectiveness, efficiencies at a same flow rate of air as it was
conducted in forced convection and the same parameters considered for different values are obtained for natural convection
with different fins as well. In this experiment for forced convection, the airflow rate is constant i.e, 2.3371 m/sec throughout
the experiment. In natural convection, efficiency for the threaded fin is high with 93.89% and effectiveness of
hexagonal(2mm)depth fin is 28.11. In forced convection, the efficiency of the threaded fin is high with 81.83% and
effectiveness of hexagonal(1mm)depth fin is high with 23.51 was recorded. The heat transfer rate is higher in natural
convection is hexagonal(2mm)depth fin with 11.41 watts and 21.75 watts in forced convection with hexagonal(1mm)depth
fin.
Keywords:Pin-fins, Hexagonal fin, Threaded fin, Efficiency, Effectiveness.
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I. Introduction
Convective Heat Transfer:
The process of heat transfer between the surface and surrounding fluid is known as convective heat transfer. In this process,
the flow of energy is primarily due to the moment of fluid molecules.
They are two types of convective heat transfer:
1. Forced convection 2. Natural convection
Forced convection: In this type, the molecules of fluid are forced to move over the surface with the help of some external
force. We can get a higher rate of heat transfer.
Natural convection: In this type, the fluid motion is caused by buoyancy forces that result from the density variations due to
variations of temperature in the fluid.
Pin Fin:
Extended surfaces ( fins ) are frequently used in heat exchanging devices for the purpose of increasing the heat
transfer between a primary surface and the surrounding fluid. Various types of fins, ranging from relatively simple
shapes such as rectangular, square, cylindrical, annular, tapered or pin fins, to a combination of different
geometries has been used.

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Journal of Science and Technology
ISSN: 2456-5660 Volume 5, Issue 5, Sep-October 2020

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Fig a: Cylindrical fin Fig b: Heat Sink

Dimensionless numbers:

1. Prandtl number: Is the ratio of kinematic viscosity to thermal diffusivity.

Pᵣ = kinematic viscosity/thermal diffusivity
Pᵣ = (μ c□)/K
= (μ/ρ) / (K/ρ. C□)
= ᴠ/α

2. Reynold's Number: It may be physically interpreted as the ratio of inertia of force to viscous force in the
velocity boundary layer. Large values of Re denotes high viscous forces.
Re= Inertia of force / viscous force
Re = ρ VD / ᴠ

3. Grashof’s number: Grashof number (Gᵣ) is a dimensional number used in heat transfer studies involving
free or natural convection.
Gᵣ = (β Δ TD³) / ᴠ²
= (g β d³ ΔT) / ᴠ²
= (Inertia force× Buoyancy force)/(viscous force)²

4. Nusselt number: It is the ratio of convection heat transfer rate to the conduction heat transfer rate. Consider
an internal flow in a channel of length L and the temperature at the lower and upper surfaces are T1 and T2
respectively.
Th ratio is,

Nu = Q conv / Q cond
= [h Ac(T1-T2)] / [(k Ac / L) (T1-T2)]
= (h L) / k

II. Materials And Methods

Fin parameters:
Material - Aluminium alloy
Thermal conductivity (k) - 167 w/mk
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For Hexagonal fin For Threaded fin

L= 15.7cm L = 15.7cm
D = 2.5cm, S = 1.2cm D = 2.5cm
Depth-1mm, 2mm Pitch = 0.5mm

Fig a: Cylindrical fin Fig b: Heat Sink

Fins are fabricated in CNC machines and K-type thermocouple are used to measure temperature. Total fin
length is 23.7cm, the thermocouple is placed on fins at a certain distance.

a. Experimental set-up:

Methodology: A pin fin with different geometry (Hexagon, Threaded) cross-section is fitted across a long
rectangular duct. The other end of the duct is connected to the suction side of a blower and the air flows pass
through the fin perpendicular to the axis. One end of the projects outside of the duct and is heated by a heater.
The temperature at 5 points along the length of the fin are measured by K-type thermocouples connected along
the length of fin the area flow rate is measured by an orifice meter fitted on the delivery side of the blower. This
is for forced convection. For natural convection, it removes the duct and off the blower connects the fin with the
heater and notes the temperature readings.

b. Specifications of apparatus:

1Duct size = 150×100mm

2.Diameter of orifice = 20mm
3.Diameter of delivery pipe = 50mm

4Number of thermocouples on fin = 5

5Thermocouple (6) reads ambient temperature inside the duct
6.Temperature indicator = 0-300o
7Dimmer stat for heat input control = 230v,2Amp
8Fluid used in manometer-Mercury (Density-13600kg/ m³)

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a. Forced convection set-up b.Natural convection set-up

Cross Section Area Values:

For hexagonal fin(1mm),
Ac = 3.711×10-⁴ m²
For hexagonal fin(2mm),
Ac = 3.681×10-⁴ m²
For threaded fin,
Ac = 4.9087×10-⁴ m²

Surface Area Values:

For hexagonal fin(1mm), Perimeter:
As = 0.01204 m² For hexagonal fins,
For hexagonal fin(2mm), P= 0.072m
As = 0.01203 m² For threaded fin,
For threaded fin, P= 0.0785m
As = 0.01233 m²

For, irregular shapes we use hydrodynamic diameter

Dh = 4Ac/P
For hexagonal fin,
For,1mm
Dh=0.02061m

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For hexagonal fin,
For,2mm
Dh=0.02045m
In case of the threaded fin, Dh = diameter of fin.
Dh=Dfin
Dh=0.025m

III. Results and Discussion

The models of hexagonal & threaded fins are tested under different voltages of the same diameter and same
material. It is observed that heat transfer rates and temperatures have varied with varying geometries. By the depth of the
groove increases the heat transfer rate also changes in hexagonal fins. By comparison of threaded and hexagonal two
different depths of the groove, the heat transfer rate is higher in hexagonal fin.
Here are the observations of different pin fins taken during experimentation

For Natural convection

Table 3.1: Observations during experimentation for Hexagon fin (1.0mm)

Duct Fluid
Power input
S.No Fin Temperatures(OC) Temperatures
(W)
(OC)

V A T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

1 80 0.45 121.3 119.3 116.3 114.5 111.2 54.2

2 90 0.50 180.2 178.2 176.7 174.2 172.3 55.4

Table 3.2: Observation during experimentation for Hexagon fin (2.0mm)

Duct Fluid
S.No Power input(W) Fin Temperatures(OC) Temperatures
(OC)

V A T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

1 80 0.45 130.2 123.7 120.3 118.5 117.5 57.1

2 90 0.50 187.9 179.2 175.0 170.6 171.0 58.1

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Table 3.3: Observations during Experimentation for Threaded Fin

Power input Fin Temperatures uct Fluid Temperatures

S.No
(W) (OC) (OC)

V A T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

1 80 0.45 100.1 101.2 92.3 96.7 94.0 53.5

2 90 0.50 143.1 130.2 117.3 126.7 122.4 55.6

It shows the values of surface temperatures(C°) of different fins i.e, hexagonal (1mm)depth, hexagonal
(2mm)depth, threaded fin in natural convection. V is the voltage given as heat input. T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 are the
surface temperatures of the fin at different lengths. T6 is the ambient temperature (or) temperature of the air
surrounding to fin during experimentation.

For Forced convection

Table 3.4: Observations during experimentation for Hexagon fin (1.0mm)

Duct Fluid
Power input
S.No h(mm) Fin Temperatures(OC) Temperatures
(W)
(OC)

V A T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

1 80 0.45 8 119.0 116.4 111.8 109.4 106.5 58.0

2 90 0.45 8 148.1 144.7 139.1 136.1 131.5 60.5

Table 3.5: Observation during experimentation for Hexagon fin (2.0mm)

Duct Fluid
h(m
S.No Power input(W) Fin Temperatures(OC) Temperatures
m)
(OC)

V A T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

1 80 0.45 8 109.5 106.2 105.2 103.6 98.3 57.0

2 90 0.50 8 134.3 130.3 127.9 126.6 118.6 60.6

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Table 3.6: Observations during Experimentation for Threaded Fin

Power input Fin Temperatures uct Fluid Temperatures

S.No h(mm)
(W) (OC) (OC)

V A T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

1 80 0.45 8 90.5 91.8 96.1 98.8 108.9 57.8

2 90 0.50 8 109.1 110.3 115.7 119.2 131.8 60.2

It shows the values of surface temperatures(C°) of different fins i.e, hexagonal (1mm)depth, hexagonal
(2mm)depth, threaded fin in forced convection. V is the voltage given as heat input. T 1, T2, T3, T4, T5 are the
surface temperatures of the fin at different lengths. T6 is the ambient temperature (or) temperature of the air
surrounding to fin during experimentation. h(mm) is the manometric reading. Mercury is used as a manometric
fluid.

Table 3.7: Values for dimensionless numbers in natural convection

V β Gr Ra Nu h m Fin type
(w/m²k)

80 2.79× 10−3 3.35× 104 2.32× 104 Hexagon(1m

6.543 9.673 3.352 m)

80 2.73× 10−3 3.045× 104 2.10× 104 Hexagon(2m

6.381 9.76 3.381 m)

80 2.86× 10−3 4.961× 104 3.44× 104 Threaded

7.21 8.56 2.86

90 2.57× 10−3 4.991× 104 3.434× 104 Hexagon(1m

7.216 11.23 3.613 m)

90 2.56× 10−3 4.762× 104 3.27× 104 Hexagon(2m

7.13 11.19 3.620 m)

90 2.74× 10−3 6.22× 104 4.29× 104 Threaded

7.628 9.59 3.023

It shows the values of some dimensionless numbers in natural convection. V is the voltage given as heat input, β is the
volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion, Gr is the grashof number, Ra is the rayleigh number, Nu is the nusselt
number, h is the heat transfer coefficient, m is the fin property.

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Table 3.8: Values for dimensionless numbers in forced convection

V β h Va Re Nu h m Fin type
(m) (m/sec) (w/m²k)

80 0.4 0.08 2.3371 2284.10 22.22 32.85 6.178 Hexagon(1

mm)

80 0.4 0.08 2.3371 2266.17 22.14 32.99 6.21 Hexagon(2

mm)

80 0.4 0.08 2.3371 2918.45 24.93 29.58 5.32 Threaded

90 0.4 0.08 2.3371 2082.47 21.24 33.09 6.20 Hexagon(1

mm)

90 0.4 0.08 2.3371 2162.61 21.64 33.10 6.22 Hexagon(2

mm)

90 0.4 0.08 2.3371 2770.38 24.31 29.63 5.35 Threaded

It shows the values of some dimensionless numbers in forced convection. V is the voltage given as heat input, is the
volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion, h is the manometric reading, Va is the velocity of air passes on the fin, Re is
the Reynolds number, Nu is the nusselt number, h is the heat transfer coefficient, m is the fin property.

Table 3.9: Observation for Hexagon(1.0mm), Hexagon(2.0 mm), Threaded fin’s efficiencies and effectiveness
in natural convection

S. No Voltage(V) Surface
(OC) η (%) Fin type

1 80 116.52 91.6 27.92 Hexagon(1.0mm)

2 80 122.04 91.56 28.11 Hexagon(2.0mm)

3 80 98.86 93.89 23.52 Threaded

4 90 176.32 90.50 27.56 Hexagon(1.0mm)

5 90 176.74 90.47 27.77 Hexagon(2.0mm)

6 90 127.94 93.11 23.38 Threaded

It shows the values of efficiencies and effectiveness of different fins in natural convection. V is the voltage given as heat
input, surface (C°) is the surface temperature of a fin, η is the efficiency of the fin, is theeffectiveness of fin.

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Table 3.10: Observation for Hexagon(1.0mm), Hexagon(2.0 mm), Threaded fin’s efficiencies and

effectiveness in forced convection

S.No Voltage(v) Surface

(OC) η (%) Fin type

1 80 112.62 77.18 23.51 Hexagon(1.0mm)

2 80 104.56 76.98 23.29 Hexagon(2.0mm)

3 80 97.22 81.83 20.53 Threaded

4 90 139.94 77.07 23.47 Hexagon(1.0mm)

5 90 127.54 77.0 23.60 Hexagon(2.0mm)

6 90 117.22 81.73 20.58 Threaded

It shows the values of efficiencies and effectiveness of different fins in forced convection. V is the voltage given as heat
input, surface (C°) is the surface temperature of a fin, η is the efficiency of the fin, is theeffectiveness of fin.

a. GRAPHS:

Efficiency vs surface temperature (°c) -

From the graph, it can be observed that in natural convection the surface temperature is low and the efficiency is
high in all fins. For threaded fins, the efficiency is higher among other fins.

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Effectiveness vs surface temperature (°c)-

From the graph, it can be observed that in natural convection the surface temperature is low and the
effectiveness is high in all fins. For, hexagonal fin(2mm) has high effectiveness among two other fins.

Effectiveness vs surface temperature (°c) -

From the graph, it can be observed that in forced convection the surface temperature is high and the
effectiveness is high in all fins. For, hexagonal fin(2mm) has high effectiveness among two other fins.

Efficiency vs surface temperature (°c) -

From the graph, it can be observed that in forced convection the surface temperature is low, the efficiency is
high but in hexagonal fin (2mm) the surface temperature is high and efficiency also high.

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IV. Conclusion

Heat transfer rates depend not only on the heat transfer coefficient but also the surface area changes and
different geometries. By changing the different geometries of fins, the heat transfer rates can be enhanced and
are compared to those of the normal cylindrical fins at the same base temperatures. It is concluded that two
types of convections natural and forced, give different heat transfer values.

For natural convection, the surface temperature is higher in hexagonal fin (2mm)depth. By comparing the
efficiencies threaded fin has maximum and hexagonal fin(2mm)depth has a minimum. By comparing the
effectiveness hexagonal fin(2mm)depth has maximum and threaded fin has a minimum. Hexagonal
fin(2mm)depth has a high heat transfer rate among two fins.

For forced convection, the surface temperature is higher in hexagonal fin(1mm)depth. By comparing the
efficiencies threaded fin has maximum and hexagonal fin (1mm)depth has a minimum. By comparing the
effectiveness hexagonal fin (2mm)depth has maximum and threaded fin has a minimum. Hexagonal
fin(2mm)depth has a high heat transfer rate in natural convection and hexagonal fin (1mm)depth has a high heat
transfer rate in forced convection.

By comparing the experimental and theoretical calculations the percentage of error (%) is below 5 i.e,
around 3.75.

V. Future Scope
In this study, only one design parameter is taken i.e, same diameter and same material. In forced convection,
the airflow rate is constant 2.3371 m/sec in all types of fins. In future by changing the depths of the groove and
by varying airflow rates and changing material it can also be performed.

Nomenclature:
• D = Diameter of pin fin (m)
• Dh = Hydrodynamic diameter of pin fin(m)
• As = Surface area of fin(m2)
• Ac = Cross section area of fin(m2)
• v = Kinematic viscosity(m2/sec)
• k = Thermal conductivity(w/mk)
• h = Heat transfer coefficient (w/ m2k)
• p = Perimeter of fin (m)
• L = Length of pin (m)
• Lc = Characteristics length of fin(m)
• Ts = Surface temperature of fin (oc)
• Ta = Ambient temperature of air (oc)

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• Tm = Mean temperature (oc)
• Cd = Coefficient of discharge (0.64)
• h = Difference of level in manometer
• ɳ = Efficiency of fin
• Ʃ = Effectiveness of fin

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