Analytic solutions for a rotating radial fin of rectangular and various convex parabolic profiles

The homotopy analysis method (HAM) is used to develop an analytical solution for the thermal performance of a radial fin of rectangular and various convex parabolic profiles mounted on a rotating shaft and losing heat by convection to its surroundings. The convection heat transfer coefficient is assumed to be a function of both the radial coordinate and the angular speed of the shaft. Results are presented for the temperature distribution, heat transfer rate, and the fin efficiency illustrating the effect of thickness profile, the ratio of outer to inner radius, and the angular speed of the shaft. Comparison of HAM results with the direct numerical solutions shows that the analytic results produced by HAM are highly accurate over a wide range of parameters that are likely to be encountered in practice.