Finite Element Simulation of Heat Transfer

This book provides an introduction to applications of the finite element method for the solution of industrial heat transfer problems. Starting from steady state conduction, the method is gradually extended to transient situations, to traditional non-linearities and to convective phenomena. Coupled problems involving heat transfer are then presented. Three types of couplings are discussed : through boundary conditions (such as radiative heat transfer in cavities), addition of state variables (such as metallurgical phase change) and through partial differential equations (such as electrical phenomena).
A review of the various thermal phenomena is presented, which an engineer can then use to simulate real world problems. The methods presented will enable the reader to gain optimal benefits from finite element software and also to develop new applications.