AbstractThe finite element code FIDAP was used to examine the fluid flow path within a flat plate tube/fin heat exchanger and the resulting heat transfer from the fins and tube walls. The mathematical formulation, mesh development and analysis procedure are presented, and the results obtained are compared with experimental observations of the fluid flow and measurements of the fluid heating. This problem illustrates the capabilities of finite element techniques for analysing complex three‐dimensional convection‐dominated heat transfer, and demonstrates the scope of problems which can be addressed on a Micro VAX II/GPX workstation.