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Conduction

Conduction Heat Transfer Rate Equation


$$ q = -\lambda A \frac{\Delta T}{\Delta x} $$ where:

q   =   Heat transfer rate   (W)

λ   =   Thermal conductivity of fin material   (W/mK)

A   =   Cross-sectional area   (m²)

ΔT   =   Temperature difference along the length of the fin   (K)

Δx   =   Length of the fin   (m)


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Equation Assumptions


  • The system is in steady state.
  • Heat transfer is considered as being one-dimensional.
  • The cross-sectional area of the fin through which heat is conducted is uniform.
  • There is perfect thermal contact between the fin and surface/different segments of the fin.