Survey of Some Exact and Approximate Analytical Solutions for Heat Transfer in Extended Surfaces

In this chapter we provide the review and a narrative of some obtained results for steady and transient heat transfer though extended surfaces (fins). A particular attention is given to exact and approximate analytical solutions of models describing heat transfer under various conditions, for example, when thermal conductivity and heat transfer are temperature dependent. We also consider fins of different profiles and shapes. The dependence of thermal properties render the considered models nonlinear, and this adds a complication and difficulty to solve these model exactly. However, the nonlinear problems are more realistic and physically sound. The approximate analytical solutions give insight into heat transfer in fins and as such assist in the designs for better efficiencies and effectiveness.