FEM modelling and thermography validation of thermal flow

Abstract

Heat flow is one of the major technological issues encountered during the design, fabrication and exploitation of almost every element and device. The design process of such an item requires a proper modelling method in order to predict spatial and temporal heat distribution. The most suitable solution to resolving this issue is an open-source software: Elmer FEM. It utilizes Finite Element Method for multiphysics calculations and analysis, including heat distribution. The possibility of straightforward custom solver creation is remarkable for this free software. The natural consequence of applying self-designed solver algorithms is the necessity of result verification. The following paper presents a comparison of simulated and measured heat distribution. The primary test sample was a metal solid of a complicated geometry in which a significant heat flow was induced. The simulation data acquired via Elmer FEM is presented against the results given by a thermographic measurement utilizing high-resolution FLIR camera. After taking environment influence into account, the correlation of the results given by both methods justifies using Elmer FEM with proposed solver as a viable and credible solution for determining the distribution of heat flow.