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Thermal Analysis and Free Convection

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cpfmarvin

Mechanical
Jun 14, 1999
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I am developing a few simple thermal models to evaluate some specific steady-state characteristics; I am using a linear FEA program.<br>
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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.<br>
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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.<br>
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I would be interested in learning of any techniques used by experienced modelers. Thanks. <br>

 
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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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