Thermal dispersion in silica can be analyzed using finite element analysis software such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, or CosmosWorks to determine the effective distance a heater can be placed from a region. Alternatively, custom programs can be developed using heat transfer equations in MatLab, or simpler cases can be solved in Excel or on paper. A user reported challenges in solving a 2-D problem, having previously succeeded with a 1-D approach, but found the results unsatisfactory. Input from colleagues, including a post-doc and professor, indicated that the results were not accurate, though specific issues were not identified. Accurate modeling of thermal dispersion is crucial for effective heater placement in silica applications.
