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Heat transfer module necessity
Posted Oct 25, 2021, 9:57 a.m. EDT 2 Replies
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Hello, I need to model thermal expansion and compression behaviour in a composite plate. I wanted to know if it can be done simply with the Structural Mechanics Module (Thermal Expansion) or does it need the Heat Transfer module as well. The material preperties of the material in the plate, vary with temperature. Thanks in advance
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Hi,
if you only need to compute thermal expansion with a known temperature and you don't need to compute the heat flow in the model, then the solid mechanics should suffice. You can define the material properties as functions of temperature. In this case temperature is just a model parameter and not a dependent variable.
Cheers Edgar
-------------------Edgar J. Kaiser
emPhys Physical Technology
www.emphys.com
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To add a bit to what Edgar already said:
In case the temperature is not known a priori and is something you need to compute, whether you need the Heat Transfer Module depends on exactly what needs to be included in the thermal analysis.
To give a couple of concrete examples, if all there is to your thermal problem is conduction in solids then you would not need the Heat Transfer Module (because the core COMSOL Multiphysics can handle that with out the added module), whereas if surface-to-surface radiation needs to be included in your thermal analysis then you would definitely need the Heat Transfer Module.
You can find exactly what heat transfer capabilities are included in the core COMSOL Multiphysics and in each of the modules in the heat transfer section of the Specification Chart.
Best regards,
Jeff
-------------------Jeff Hiller