Steady-state heat transfer from vertical fins protruding upwards from horizontal bases

The values of the geometric parameters corresponding to the optimal design of a finned heat-exchanger, so that it exhibits the maximum steady-state rate of heat-transfer performance in atmospheric air, have been identified. The most influential parameter is the separation between the parallel vertical fins. For heat-exchange base temperatures at up to 40 K above that of the ambient environment, the value of this optimal separation is approximately 10 mm. The corresponding approximate optimal values of the Duralumin fins' thickness and length are 2 mm and 250 mm respectively.