Investigation of the Effect of Engine Cylinder Fin Shape on Heat Transfer Characteristics Under Forced Convection

During the combustion process, any amount of excess heat needs to be dissipated to prevent engine damage. The heat dissipation from the engine cylinder is achieved through the use of fins. The performance of fins significantly depends upon their shape. The objective of the current research is to investigate the effect of engine cylinder fin shape on its heat transfer characteristics under forced convection conditions. The heat transfer characteristics of the engine cylinder are conducted using ANSYS CFX software. The design of engine cylinders with different shapes is developed in the design modeler. The heat transfer coefficient, heat flux, and eddy viscosity values are determined for different shapes of the engine cylinder. The zones of high heat transfer rate are determined from the analysis which was found to be at diametrically opposite regions and is similar for all shapes. The maximum eddy viscosity was observed for the 2nd shape of the engine cylinder which is a thin shell-type extended member, and minimum eddy viscosity was observed for the 1st shape of the engine cylinder. Similarly, the maximum heat transfer rate is obtained for the 2nd shape of the engine cylinder, and the minimum heat transfer rate was observed for the 1st shape of the engine cylinder. The heat transfer rate (heat flux) for the 2nd design is 35.29% higher than the 1st design.