With the aid of constructal theory and entransy theory, a Tau-shaped fin (TAUSF) is investigated in this paper, and the widths of the bend end and elemental fins are assumed to be different. The construct of the TAUSF is optimized by the minimum equivalent thermal resistance (ETR) obtained by entransy dissipation rate. The constraints of total enveloping volume and fin material volume are considered. The results show that in the specified range of width ratio, the twice minimum ETR of the TAUSF can be yielded by an optimal width ratio and an optimal length ratio. In addition, comparing the optimal performance of the TAUSF with the counterpart of a T-shaped fin, the former sacrifices a small amount of heat transfer performance and its stiffness increases due to its structure with the bend end. The optimal structure of the TAUSF yielded from ETR minimization is conspicuously different with the counterpart yielded from maximum thermal resistance minimization. Comparing the thermal performances of the two optimal constructs, the ETR of the former optimal construct is declined by 10.58%, whereas the maximum thermal resistance is augmented by 5.22%. The former optimal construct can lead to the uniformity of temperature gradient and the reduction in thermal stress, and can guide the engineering designs of practical fins.
Keywords: Tau-shaped fin; constructal theory; entransy theory; equivalent thermal resistance; generalized thermodynamic optimization.