Maximizing Thermal Efficiency in Motorcycle Engines through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Optimized Tapered Fins

Articles in Press

Document Type : Full Length Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh

2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur-5200

Abstract

The optimization of engine cooling systems is critical for enhancing performance, reducing fuel consumption, and extending the lifespan of engines. This study explores the thermal performance of three modified fin geometries namely rectangular, circular, and angular, through the introduction of tapered geometries aimed at improving heat dissipation and reducing material usage. Using ANSYS Workbench 2020 R1, finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to evaluate the thermal efficiency of these tapered fins under steady-state conditions. The results reveal significant improvements across all tapered fin designs. The Tapered Rectangular Fin achieved 4.18 times improvement in heat dissipation at the base along with a 36.07% reduction in weight compared to the baseline design. The Tapered Circular Fin provided 4.43 times enhancement in heat dissipation and a 16.36% decrease in weight. Notably, the Tapered Angular Fin outperformed the other configurations, delivering the highest improvement in both, the heat dissipation and weight reduction. The maximum heat flux of 0.22534 W/mm² for the modified angular fin represents a 5.54% improvement over the modified rectangular and 16.78% over the modified circular designs. These results confirm the efficacy of geometric tapering in optimizing fin performance for air cooled motorcycle engines. These modifications were achieved by tapering the thickness of the fins from 3 mm at the base to 1 mm at the tip, optimizing material usage while enhancing thermal performance. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of tapered fin geometries in enhancing thermal efficiency, reducing weight, and improving material efficiency in cooling systems. The results indicate that tapered fins provide a viable solution for the development of more fuel-efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective cooling solutions in the automotive industry. Furthermore, the findings have broader implications for other industries, such as aerospace and electronics, where efficient heat dissipation is essential.

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Main Subjects

Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 25 May 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 28 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 25 May 2026

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