Heat Transfer shareware for 2 Dimensions?

AI Thread Summary
Mark is seeking affordable software options for designing a thermal gradient system in two dimensions using materials like copper, acrylic, and ice. He inquires about shareware or low-cost solutions, noting that he might also consider one-dimensional software. Matt suggests using finite element software like ANSYS or NASTRAN, though they are not free, and recommends starting with hand calculations if thermal conductivities are known. Mark is also considering the demo version of WinTherm, which allows for limited nodes and basic shapes, and plans to verify the software's results with manual calculations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of grid independence in simulations for reliable results.
WarpedWatch
Messages
36
Reaction score
0
Greetings,

I'm trying to design a system that creates a thermal gradient in 2 dimensions through several layers of very different material (copper, acrylic, and ice). I was wondering if there's some cheap software available or even some kind of shareware out there that could give me at least some ballpark numbers. Anyone have any clue? I might even be able to use a 1-D software if you happen to know where I can find that, too.

many thanks,
Mark
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
If you know the thermal conductivities of the materials then you could use any finite element software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, etc ... None of them are cheap or free. Sorry. For starters though you could just assume that the problem is one dimensional and do it by hand. Consult any basic heat transfer text. Again, assuming that you know the thermal conductivities. Yes, thermal conductivities are a function of temperature but just assume the thermal conductivity is constant to get a quick hand calc started.

Thanks
Matt
 
Hi CFDFEAGURU,

someone suggested I look at the Demo version of WinTherm.

http://www.thermoanalytics.com/products/wintherm/index.html"

It limits me to about 300 nodes and it looks like I can use their "primitives" to create crude shapes, probably good enough for what I'm doing right now.

Does that sound reasonable?

thanks for helping,
Mark
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Never heard of that program before. Let me know how it works out.

As long as your results are grid independent with the small number of nodes and you are confident with the results, then accepting the results is up to you.

What I mean by grid independent is; The solution doesn't change when you increase the number of nodes.

Also, since you haven't used this software before, I highly recommend that you do a hand calc to see if the program results agree.

Thanks
Matt
 
Thanks again, Matt,

I'll take your advice on the node independent issue, and report back on whether or not I can get this to work for a newbie. It might be a while, though.

cheers,
Mark
 

Thread 'Query on Isentropic relationships (such as PV^gamma = constant)'

Hi all, I have a question. So from the derivation of the Isentropic process relationship PV^gamma = constant, there is a step dW = PdV, which can only be said for quasi-equilibrium (or reversible) processes. As such I believe PV^gamma = constant (and the family of equations) should not be applicable to just adiabatic processes? Ie, it should be applicable only for adiabatic + reversible = isentropic processes? However, I've seen couple of online notes/books, and...
View full post »
Thread 'How can I find the cleanout for my building drain?'

Thread 'How can I find the cleanout for my building drain?'

I am a long distance truck driver, but I recently completed a plumbing program with Stratford Career Institute. In the chapter of my textbook Repairing DWV Systems, the author says that if there is a clog in the building drain, one can clear out the clog by using a snake augur or maybe some other type of tool into the cleanout for the building drain. The author said that the cleanout for the building drain is usually near the stack. I live in a duplex townhouse. Just out of curiosity, I...
View full post »

Thread 'Dry sump pump issue'

I have an engine that uses a dry sump oiling system. The oil collection pan has three AN fittings to use for scavenging. Two of the fittings are approximately on the same level, the third is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch higher than the other two. The system ran for years with no problem using a three stage pump (one pressure and two scavenge stages). The two scavenge stages were connected at times to any two of the three AN fittings on the tank. Recently I tried an upgrade to a four stage pump...
View full post »

Similar threads

Heat Transfer Through a Two Material System due to a Light Source
Replies
10
Views
3K
Effect of radius on transient heat xfer from pipe in semi-infinite soil
Replies
7
Views
1K
Max thermal conductivity required for heating elements
Replies
3
Views
3K
Heat Transfer through a cooking pot
Replies
1
Views
4K
Need to figure out heat loss as water passes thru a pipe....
Replies
2
Views
2K
Efficient and Affordable Solar Pool Heating Solutions
Replies
14
Views
4K
Heat Transfer: Effect of a Heat Fin
Replies
4
Views
2K
Can anyone explain the basics of 3D heat transfer modelling?
Replies
5
Views
6K
Heat transfer in wing by anti-ice system using hot air in piccolo tube
Replies
6
Views
1K
Differences between these materials for absorbing and radiating heat?
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top