Question:medium

A very long fin of a uniform square cross-section is replaced by another very long fin of a uniform circular cross-section of the same material. Assume uniform and identical heat transfer coefficient for both the fins. If the diameter of the circular fin is equal to the side length of the square fin, then the ratio of heat transfer rates before and after the replacement is

Show Hint

Write the long fin heat rate formula \(Q=\sqrt{hPkA}\,\theta_b\) and compare \(P\) and \(A\) for the two shapes.
Updated On: Jul 27, 2026
  • \(4/\pi\)
  • \(16/\pi^2\)
  • \(1/\pi\)
  • \(1/\pi^2\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: State the long fin heat loss result.
For an infinitely long fin the tip condition drops out and the heat carried away equals $Q = M \theta_b$ where $M = \sqrt{hPkA}$ comes from solving the fin equation $\dfrac{d^2\theta}{dx^2} = \dfrac{hP}{kA}\theta$. Since $h$, $k$, and the base temperature excess $\theta_b$ do not change on replacing the fin, only the shape factor $\sqrt{PA}$ decides the ratio.

Step 2: Try a concrete number to keep the algebra simple.
Let the square side and the circle diameter both equal $a = 1$ m (any value works since the ratio is dimensionless in $a$). Square: $P = 4(1) = 4$, $A = 1^2 = 1$, so $PA = 4$. Circle: $P = \pi(1) = \pi$, $A = \pi(1)^2/4 = \pi/4$, so $PA = \pi \times \pi/4 = \pi^2/4$.

Step 3: Form the ratio of the two heat rates.
$$\frac{Q_{before}}{Q_{after}} = \frac{\sqrt{(PA)_{square}}}{\sqrt{(PA)_{circle}}} = \sqrt{\frac{4}{\pi^2/4}} = \sqrt{\frac{16}{\pi^2}} = \frac{4}{\pi}$$

Step 4: Sanity check the number.
Since $\pi \approx 3.14$, the ratio is about $1.27$, so the square fin carries roughly 27 percent more heat than the circular one of the same characteristic size, which fits since a square packs more perimeter into the same area than a circle does.

Final Answer:
The before to after heat rate ratio comes out to $4/\pi$, the same result however you scale the side length. \[ \boxed{\dfrac{4}{\pi}} \]
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