Experimental and Computational Analysis of Pin-Fin Profiles for Aerospace Applications

Heat transfer is a key phenomenon for the safe and satisfactory operation of any thermal system. Fins are occupying a greater role in heat transfer applications where the radiation fins are utilized in space applications that are essential for satellite thermal control systems. The present work has designed rectangular, stepped, and elliptical pin-fin profiles for space vehicle thermal control systems. So, the investigation is considered a vacuum chamber, which suits the space ambiance and shows the heat transfer enhancement in different fin profiles. To validate the experimental work, a computational model has been developed and analyzed for the same boundary conditions. The temperature distribution and the amount of heat transfer determine the performance of different pin-fin profiles. In comparison with flat fins, elliptical fins increase heat transfer by an average of 20%. For the applied heat source, the thermal characteristics of three profiles were studied and presented. Here, the finite volume method is used to simulate the temperature profile due to its lower temperature gradient. The temperature distribution and velocity profile over the fins have been considered for numerical study. The experimental and numerical results have been calculated to determine their accuracy and suitability for space application.