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Thermal Analysis and Free Convection

Thermal Analysis and Free Convection

Thermal Analysis and Free Convection

(OP)
I am developing a few simple thermal models to evaluate some specific steady-state characteristics; I am using a linear FEA program.

When setting the boundary conditions, I would like to include the free convection coefficients at appropriate edges. If I do not include convention, the outer boundaries will act as insulated surfaces, which may be fine for material comparisons, etc.

Most of the models are analyzed in ambient air. To determine the convection coefficient (h), I have been using closed-book forms for various geometry and calculating the Rayleigh’s number, Nusselt’s number, etc. for each different surface. Calculating (h) for each side can be cumbersome.

I would be interested in learning of any techniques used by experienced modelers. Thanks.

RE: Thermal Analysis and Free Convection

I did something similar where I had to analyze a fin. If you take an element and write the differential energy equation for it and just substitute in boundary conditioons where necessaary you should be fine. If you need further help, I may still have tha paper that went a long with my analysis.

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