Criteria for analysis and optimization of longitudinal fins with convective tip

The problem of heat transfer in longitudinal fins with the main geometries used in equipaments of heat transfer by convection is analyzed. The equation of energy is solved analytically of several geometries fins, with unidimensional formulation, through the use of the convective heat transfer coefficient. The problem of fin optimization is approached analytically yielding the parameters which allow the maximum heat transfer for each particular material waste in the fin. The use of the insulated tip model suggests the use of fins and its optimization for any Biot number of the fin. The use of the convective tip model allows us to determine when is vantageous or disadvantageous to use fins and when fin optimization is possible according to the value of the Biot number and to a convection parameter on the fin tip. (Author)