Finite Elements for Engineers with Ansys Applications

This chapter highlights the applications of FE in conduction heat transfer analysis. We will consider three-dimensional transient conduction analysis with convection and radiation boundary conditions. We start by highlighting the basic equations for conduction analysis and the pertinent boundary conditions, namely: flux, temperature, convection and radiation boundary conditions. Then, we discuss the development of FE equations in three-dimensional conduction problems using the weighted residual technique, which was discussed in Chapter 5. This is followed by a discussion of solution methods, accuracy and stability of the solution for the transient heat transfer problem. Finally, we develop sample elements for use in heat transfer problems and present a concluding example that is followed by an Ansys/Workbench project.