Finite Element Analysis for Heat Transfer: Theory and Software - Tapa blanda

This text presents an introduction to the application of the finite ele­ ment method to the analysis of heat transfer problems. The discussion has been limited to diffusion and convection type of heat transfer in solids and fluids. The main motivation of writing this book stems from two facts. Firstly, we have not come across any other text which provides an intro­ duction to the finite element method (FEM) solely from a heat transfer perspective. Most introductory texts attempt to teach FEM from a struc­ tural engineering background, which may distract non-structural engineers from pursuing this important subject with full enthusiasm. We feel that our approach provides a better alternative for non-structural engineers. Secondly, for people who are interested in using FEM for heat transfer, we have attempted to cover a wide range of topics, presenting the essential the­ ory and full implementational details including two FORTRAN programs. In addition to the basic FEM heat transfer concepts and implementation, we have also presented some modem techniques which are being used to enhance the accuracy and speed of the conventional method. In writing the text we have endeavoured to keep it accessible to persons with qualifications of no more than an engineering graduate. As mentioned earlier this book may be used to learn FEM by beginners, this may include undergraduate students and practicing engineers. However, there is enough advanced material to interest more experienced practitioners.

The use of Finite Elements for the modelling of heat transfer problems is here described for the first time. Applicable in Mechanical, Civil as well as in Materials engineering, it copes with heat transfer in virtually any medium including polymers and ceramics. The essential theory is covered and full implementational details given including two FORTRAN programs. HEAT2D, a program capable of steady and transient, linear and nonlinear analyses of diffusive and convective heat transfer and its adaptive version HADAPT are also presented with full instructions and documented examples. The complete source code for both programs and sample input data files are provided on a floppy disc included with the book. The programs can be run on any computer with a FORTRAN 77 compiler.