ANSYS Thermal Analysis

Guide
ANSYS Release 10.0

002184
August 2005

ANSYS, Inc. and

ANSYS Europe,
Ltd. are UL
registered ISO
9001:2000
Companies.
ANSYS Thermal Analysis Guide

ANSYS Release 10.0

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Table of Contents
1. Analyzing Thermal Phenomena .......................................................................................................... 1–1
1.1. How ANSYS Treats Thermal Modeling ........................................................................................... 1–1
1.1.1. Convection .......................................................................................................................... 1–1
1.1.2. Radiation ............................................................................................................................. 1–1
1.1.3. Special Effects ...................................................................................................................... 1–2
1.2. Types of Thermal Analysis ............................................................................................................. 1–2
1.3. Coupled-Field Analyses ................................................................................................................. 1–2
1.4. About GUI Paths and Command Syntax ......................................................................................... 1–2
2. Steady-State Thermal Analysis ........................................................................................................... 2–1
2.1. Available Elements for Thermal Analysis ........................................................................................ 2–1
2.2. Commands Used in Thermal Analyses ........................................................................................... 2–4
2.3. Tasks in a Thermal Analysis ........................................................................................................... 2–4
2.4. Building the Model ....................................................................................................................... 2–4
2.4.1. Creating Model Geometry .................................................................................................... 2–4
2.5. Applying Loads and Obtaining the Solution .................................................................................. 2–5
2.5.1. Defining the Analysis Type ................................................................................................... 2–5
2.5.2. Applying Loads .................................................................................................................... 2–5
2.5.2.1. Constant Temperatures (TEMP) .................................................................................... 2–5
2.5.2.2. Heat Flow Rate (HEAT) ................................................................................................. 2–6
2.5.2.3. Convections (CONV) .................................................................................................... 2–6
2.5.2.4. Heat Fluxes (HFLUX) .................................................................................................... 2–6
2.5.2.5. Heat Generation Rates (HGEN) ..................................................................................... 2–6
2.5.3. Using Table and Function Boundary Conditions .................................................................... 2–7
2.5.4. Specifying Load Step Options ............................................................................................... 2–8
2.5.5. General Options ................................................................................................................... 2–9
2.5.6. Nonlinear Options .............................................................................................................. 2–10
2.5.6.1. Tracking Convergence Graphically ............................................................................. 2–11
2.5.7. Output Controls ................................................................................................................. 2–11
2.5.8. Defining Analysis Options .................................................................................................. 2–12
2.5.9. Saving the Model ............................................................................................................... 2–13
2.5.10. Solving the Model ............................................................................................................ 2–13
2.6. Reviewing Analysis Results .......................................................................................................... 2–13
2.6.1. Primary data ...................................................................................................................... 2–13
2.6.2. Derived data ...................................................................................................................... 2–13
2.6.3. Reading In Results .............................................................................................................. 2–14
2.6.4. Reviewing Results .............................................................................................................. 2–14
2.7. Example of a Steady-State Thermal Analysis (Command or Batch Method) ................................... 2–15
2.7.1. The Example Described ...................................................................................................... 2–15
2.7.2. The Analysis Approach ....................................................................................................... 2–16
2.7.3. Commands for Building and Solving the Model .................................................................. 2–17
2.8. Doing a Steady-State Thermal Analysis (GUI Method) .................................................................. 2–18
2.9. Doing a Thermal Analysis Using Tabular Boundary Conditions ..................................................... 2–26
2.9.1. Running the Sample Problem via Commands ..................................................................... 2–26
2.9.2. Running the Sample Problem Interactively ......................................................................... 2–27
2.10. Where to Find Other Examples of Thermal Analysis .................................................................... 2–30
3. Transient Thermal Analysis ................................................................................................................. 3–1
3.1. Elements and Commands Used in Transient Thermal Analysis ....................................................... 3–2
3.2. Tasks in a Transient Thermal Analysis ............................................................................................ 3–2
3.3. Building the Model ....................................................................................................................... 3–2
3.4. Applying Loads and Obtaining a Solution ...................................................................................... 3–2

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3.4.1. Defining the Analysis Type ................................................................................................... 3–2

3.4.2. Establishing Initial Conditions for Your Analysis .................................................................... 3–3
3.4.2.1. Specifying a Uniform Temperature .............................................................................. 3–3
3.4.2.2. Specifying a Non-Uniform Starting Temperature .......................................................... 3–3
3.4.3. Specifying Load Step Options ............................................................................................... 3–4
3.4.3.1. Defining Time-stepping Strategy ................................................................................. 3–4
3.4.3.2. General Options .......................................................................................................... 3–6
3.4.4. Nonlinear Options ................................................................................................................ 3–8
3.4.5. Output Controls ................................................................................................................. 3–10
3.5. Saving the Model ........................................................................................................................ 3–11
3.5.1. Solving the Model .............................................................................................................. 3–11
3.6. Reviewing Analysis Results .......................................................................................................... 3–11
3.6.1. How to Review Results ....................................................................................................... 3–12
3.6.2. Reviewing Results with the General Postprocessor .............................................................. 3–12
3.6.3. Reviewing Results with the Time History Postprocessor ....................................................... 3–12
3.7. Reviewing Results as Graphics or Tables ...................................................................................... 3–13
3.7.1. Reviewing Contour Displays ............................................................................................... 3–13
3.7.2. Reviewing Vector Displays .................................................................................................. 3–13
3.7.3. Reviewing Table Listings .................................................................................................... 3–13
3.8. Phase Change ............................................................................................................................. 3–13
3.9. Example of a Transient Thermal Analysis ..................................................................................... 3–14
3.9.1. The Example Described ...................................................................................................... 3–14
3.9.2. Example Material Property Values ....................................................................................... 3–15
3.9.3. Example of a Transient Thermal Analysis (GUI Method) ....................................................... 3–16
3.9.4. Commands for Building and Solving the Model .................................................................. 3–16
3.10. Where to Find Other Examples of Transient Thermal Analysis ..................................................... 3–17
4. Radiation ............................................................................................................................................. 4–1
4.1. Analyzing Radiation Problems ....................................................................................................... 4–1
4.2. Definitions .................................................................................................................................... 4–1
4.3. Using LINK31, the Radiation Link Element ..................................................................................... 4–2
4.4. Using the Surface Effect Elements ................................................................................................. 4–2
4.5. Using the AUX12 Radiation Matrix Method .................................................................................... 4–3
4.5.1. Procedure ............................................................................................................................ 4–3
4.5.1.1. Defining the Radiating Surfaces ................................................................................... 4–3
4.5.1.2. Generating the AUX12 Radiation Matrix ....................................................................... 4–5
4.5.1.3. Using the AUX12 Radiation Matrix in the Thermal Analysis ........................................... 4–6
4.5.2. Recommendations for Using Space Nodes ............................................................................ 4–7
4.5.2.1. Considerations for the Non-hidden Method ................................................................. 4–7
4.5.2.2. Considerations for the Hidden Method ........................................................................ 4–7
4.5.3. General Guidelines for the AUX12 Radiation Matrix Method .................................................. 4–8
4.6. Using the Radiosity Solver Method ................................................................................................ 4–9
4.6.1. Procedure ............................................................................................................................ 4–9
4.6.1.1. Defining the Radiating Surfaces ................................................................................... 4–9
4.6.1.2. Defining Solution Options ......................................................................................... 4–10
4.6.1.3. Defining View Factor Options .................................................................................... 4–11
4.6.1.4. Calculating and Querying View Factors ...................................................................... 4–12
4.6.1.5. Defining Load Options ............................................................................................... 4–12
4.6.2. Further Options for Static Analysis ...................................................................................... 4–13
4.7. Advanced Radiosity Options ....................................................................................................... 4–13
4.8. Example of a 2-D Radiation Analysis Using the Radiosity Method (Command Method) ................. 4–17
4.8.1. The Example Described ...................................................................................................... 4–17
4.8.2. Commands for Building and Solving the Model .................................................................. 4–18

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4.9. Example of a 2-D Radiation Analysis Using the Radiosity Method with Decimation and Symmetry
(Command Method) ......................................................................................................................... 4–18
4.9.1. The Example Described ...................................................................................................... 4–18
4.9.2. Commands for Building and Solving the Model .................................................................. 4–19
Index ................................................................................................................................................. Index–1

List of Figures
2.1. Convergence Norms ......................................................................................................................... 2–11
2.2. Contour Results Plot ......................................................................................................................... 2–14
2.3. Vector Display .................................................................................................................................. 2–15
2.4. Pipe-Tank Junction Model ................................................................................................................. 2–16
3.1. Examples of Load vs. Time Curves ....................................................................................................... 3–1
3.2. Sample Enthalpy vs. Temperature Curve ............................................................................................ 3–14
4.1. Radiating Surfaces for 3-D and 2-D Models .......................................................................................... 4–3
4.2. Superimposing Elements on Radiating Surfaces .................................................................................. 4–4
4.3. Orienting the Superimposed Elements ................................................................................................ 4–5
4.4. Decimation ....................................................................................................................................... 4–14
4.5. Planar Reflection ............................................................................................................................... 4–15
4.6. Cyclic Repetition (Two Repetitions Shown) ........................................................................................ 4–15
4.7. Multiple RSYMM Commands ............................................................................................................. 4–16
4.8. Annulus ............................................................................................................................................ 4–17
4.9. Problem Geometry ........................................................................................................................... 4–19

List of Tables
2.1. 2-D Solid Elements .............................................................................................................................. 2–2
2.2. 3-D Solid Elements .............................................................................................................................. 2–2
2.3. Radiation Link Elements ...................................................................................................................... 2–2
2.4. Conducting Bar Elements .................................................................................................................... 2–2
2.5. Convection Link Elements ................................................................................................................... 2–2
2.6. Shell Elements .................................................................................................................................... 2–2
2.7. Coupled-Field Elements ...................................................................................................................... 2–2
2.8. Specialty Elements .............................................................................................................................. 2–3
2.9. Thermal Analysis Load Types .............................................................................................................. 2–6
2.10. Load Commands for a Thermal Analysis ............................................................................................ 2–7
2.11. Boundary Condition Type and Corresponding Primary Variable ......................................................... 2–7
2.12. Specifying Load Step Options ........................................................................................................... 2–8
2.13. Material Properties for the Sample Analysis ..................................................................................... 2–16

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viii
Chapter 1: Analyzing Thermal Phenomena
A thermal analysis calculates the temperature distribution and related thermal quantities in a system or component.
Typical thermal quantities of interest are:

• The temperature distributions

• The amount of heat lost or gained
• Thermal gradients
• Thermal fluxes.

Thermal simulations play an important role in the design of many engineering applications, including internal
combustion engines, turbines, heat exchangers, piping systems, and electronic components. In many cases,
engineers follow a thermal analysis with a stress analysis to calculate thermal stresses (that is, stresses caused by
thermal expansions or contractions).

The following thermal analysis topics are available:

1.1. How ANSYS Treats Thermal Modeling
1.2. Types of Thermal Analysis
1.3. Coupled-Field Analyses
1.4. About GUI Paths and Command Syntax

1.1. How ANSYS Treats Thermal Modeling

Only the ANSYS Multiphysics, ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS Professional, and ANSYS FLOTRAN programs support
thermal analyses.

The basis for thermal analysis in ANSYS is a heat balance equation obtained from the principle of conservation
of energy. (For details, consult the ANSYS, Inc. Theory Reference.) The finite element solution you perform via
ANSYS calculates nodal temperatures, then uses the nodal temperatures to obtain other thermal quantities.

The ANSYS program handles all three primary modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation.

1.1.1. Convection
You specify convection as a surface load on conducting solid elements or shell elements. You specify the convec-
tion film coefficient and the bulk fluid temperature at a surface; ANSYS then calculates the appropriate heat
transfer across that surface. If the film coefficient depends upon temperature, you specify a table of temperatures
along with the corresponding values of film coefficient at each temperature.

For use in finite element models with conducting bar elements (which do not allow a convection surface load),
or in cases where the bulk fluid temperature is not known in advance, ANSYS offers a convection element named
LINK34. In addition, you can use the FLOTRAN CFD elements to simulate details of the convection process, such
as fluid velocities, local values of film coefficient and heat flux, and temperature distributions in both fluid and
solid regions.

1.1.2. Radiation
ANSYS can solve radiation problems, which are nonlinear, in four ways:

• By using the radiation link element, LINK31

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Chapter 1: Analyzing Thermal Phenomena

• By using surface effect elements with the radiation option (SURF151 in 2-D modeling or SURF152 in 3-D
modeling)
• By generating a radiation matrix in AUX12 and using it as a superelement in a thermal analysis.
• By using the Radiosity Solver method.

For detailed information on these methods, see Chapter 4, “Radiation”.

1.1.3. Special Effects

In addition to the three modes of heat transfer, you can account for special effects such as change of phase
(melting or freezing) and internal heat generation (due to Joule heating, for example). For instance, you can use
the thermal mass element MASS71 to specify temperature-dependent heat generation rates.

1.2. Types of Thermal Analysis

ANSYS supports two types of thermal analysis:

1. A steady-state thermal analysis determines the temperature distribution and other thermal quantities
under steady-state loading conditions. A steady-state loading condition is a situation where heat storage
effects varying over a period of time can be ignored.
2. A transient thermal analysis determines the temperature distribution and other thermal quantities under
conditions that vary over a period of time.

1.3. Coupled-Field Analyses

Some types of coupled-field analyses, such as thermal-structural and magnetic-thermal analyses, can represent
thermal effects coupled with other phenomena. A coupled-field analysis can use matrix-coupled ANSYS elements,
or sequential load-vector coupling between separate simulations of each phenomenon. For more information
on coupled-field analysis, see the ANSYS Coupled-Field Analysis Guide.

1.4. About GUI Paths and Command Syntax

Throughout this document, you will see references to ANSYS commands and their equivalent GUI paths. Such
references use only the command name, because you do not always need to specify all of a command's arguments,
and specific combinations of command arguments perform different functions. For complete syntax descriptions
of ANSYS commands, consult the ANSYS Commands Reference.

The GUI paths shown are as complete as possible. In many cases, choosing the GUI path as shown will perform
the function you want. In other cases, choosing the GUI path given in this document takes you to a menu or
dialog box; from there, you must choose additional options that are appropriate for the specific task being per-
formed.

For all types of analyses described in this guide, specify the material you will be simulating using an intuitive
material model interface. This interface uses a hierarchical tree structure of material categories, which is intended
to assist you in choosing the appropriate model for your analysis. See Section 1.1.4.4: Material Model Interface
in the ANSYS Basic Analysis Guide for details on the material model interface.

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Chapter 2: Steady-State Thermal Analysis
The ANSYS Multiphysics, ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS FLOTRAN, and ANSYS Professional products support steady-
state thermal analysis. A steady-state thermal analysis calculates the effects of steady thermal loads on a system
or component. Engineer/analysts often perform a steady-state analysis before doing a transient thermal analysis,
to help establish initial conditions. A steady-state analysis also can be the last step of a transient thermal analysis,
performed after all transient effects have diminished.

You can use steady-state thermal analysis to determine temperatures, thermal gradients, heat flow rates, and
heat fluxes in an object that are caused by thermal loads that do not vary over time. Such loads include the fol-
lowing:

• Convections
• Radiation
• Heat flow rates
• Heat fluxes (heat flow per unit area)
• Heat generation rates (heat flow per unit volume)
• Constant temperature boundaries

A steady-state thermal analysis may be either linear, with constant material properties; or nonlinear, with mater-
ial properties that depend on temperature. The thermal properties of most material do vary with temperature,
so the analysis usually is nonlinear. Including radiation effects also makes the analysis nonlinear.

The following steady-state thermal analysis topics are available:

2.1. Available Elements for Thermal Analysis
2.2. Commands Used in Thermal Analyses
2.3. Tasks in a Thermal Analysis
2.4. Building the Model
2.5. Applying Loads and Obtaining the Solution
2.6. Reviewing Analysis Results
2.7. Example of a Steady-State Thermal Analysis (Command or Batch Method)
2.8. Doing a Steady-State Thermal Analysis (GUI Method)
2.9. Doing a Thermal Analysis Using Tabular Boundary Conditions
2.10. Where to Find Other Examples of Thermal Analysis

2.1. Available Elements for Thermal Analysis

The ANSYS and ANSYS Professional programs include about 40 elements (described below) to help you perform
steady-state thermal analyses.

For detailed information about the elements, consult the ANSYS Elements Reference. That manual organizes element
descriptions in numeric order, starting with element LINK1.

Element names are shown in uppercase. All elements apply to both steady-state and transient thermal analyses.
SOLID70 also can compensate for mass transport heat flow from a constant velocity field.

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Chapter 2: Steady-State Thermal Analysis

Table 2.1 2-D Solid Elements

Element Dimens. Shape or Characteristic DOFs
PLANE35 2-D Triangle, 6-node Temperature (at each node)
PLANE55 2-D Quadrilateral, 4-node Temperature (at each node)
PLANE75 2-D Harmonic, 4-node Temperature (at each node)
PLANE77 2-D Quadrilateral, 8-node Temperature (at each node)
PLANE78 2-D Harmonic, 8-node Temperature (at each node)

Table 2.2 3-D Solid Elements

Element Dimens. Shape or Characteristic DOFs
SOLID70 3-D Brick, 8-node Temperature (at each node)
SOLID87 3-D Tetrahedron, 10-node Temperature (at each node)
SOLID90 3-D Brick, 20-node Temperature (at each node)

Table 2.3 Radiation Link Elements

Element Dimens. Shape or Characteristic DOFs
LINK31 2-D or 3-D Line, 2-node Temperature (at each node)

Table 2.4 Conducting Bar Elements

Element Dimens. Shape or Characteristic DOFs
LINK32 2-D Line, 2-node Temperature (at each node)
LINK33 3-D Line, 2-node Temperature (at each node)

Table 2.5 Convection Link Elements

Element Dimens. Shape or Characteristic DOFs
LINK34 3-D Line, 2-node Temperature (at each node)

Table 2.6 Shell Elements

Element Dimens. Shape or Characteristic DOFs
SHELL57 3-D Quadrilateral, 4-node Temperature (at each node)
SHELL131 3-D Quadrilateral, 4-node Multiple temperatures (at each node)
SHELL132 3-D Quadrilateral, 8-node Multiple temperatures (at each node)

Table 2.7 Coupled-Field Elements

Element Dimens. Shape or Characteristic DOFs
PLANE13 2-D Thermal-stress, 4-node Temperature, structural displacement,
electric potential, magnetic vector poten-
tial
FLUID116 3-D Thermal-fluid, 2-node or 4-node Temperature, pressure

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 Section 2.1: Available Elements for Thermal Analysis

Element Dimens. Shape or Characteristic DOFs

SOLID5 3-D Thermal-stress and thermal-electric, 8- Temperature, structural displacement,
node electric potential, and magnetic scalar
potential
SOLID98 3-D Thermal-stress and thermal-electric, 10- Temperature, structural displacement,
node electric potential, magnetic vector poten-
tial
PLANE67 2-D Thermal-electric, 4-node Temperature, electric potential
LINK68 3-D Thermal-electric, 2-node Temperature, electric potential
SOLID69 3-D Thermal-electric, 8-node Temperature, electric potential
SHELL157 3-D Thermal-electric, 4-node Temperature, electric potential
TARGE169 2-D Target segment element Temperature, structural displacement
TARGE170 3-D Target segment element Temperature, structural displacement
CONTA171 2-D Surface-to-surface contact element, 2- Temperature, structural displacement
node
CONTA172 2-D Surface-to-surface contact element, 3- Temperature, structural displacement
node
CONTA173 3-D Surface-to-surface contact element, 4- Temperature, structural displacement
node
CONTA174 3-D Surface-to-surface contact element, 8- Temperature, structural displacement
node
CONTA175 2-D/3-D Node-to-surface contact element, 1 node Temperature, structural displacement,
electric potential, vector magnetic poten-
tial, scalar magnetic potential (KEYOPT-
dependent). You cannot couple magnetic
potential with any other DOFs.

Table 2.8 Specialty Elements

Element Dimens. Shape or Characteristic DOFs
MASS71 1-D, 2-D, or Mass, one-node Temperature
3-D
COMBIN37 1-D Control element, 4-node Temperature, structural displacement,
rotation, pressure
SURF151 2-D Surface effect element, 2-node to 4-node Temperature
SURF152 3-D Surface effect element, 4-node to 9-node Temperature
MATRIX50 [1] Matrix or radiation matrix element, no [1]
fixed geometry
INFIN9 2-D Infinite boundary, 2-node Temperature, magnetic vector potential
INFIN47 3-D Infinite boundary, 4-node Temperature, magnetic vector potential
COMBIN14 1-D, 2-D, or Combination element, 2-node Temperature, structural displacement,
3-D rotation, pressure
COMBIN39 1-D Combination element, 2-node Temperature, structural displacement,
rotation, pressure
COMBIN40 1-D Combination element, 2-node Temperature, structural displacement,
rotation, pressure

1. As determined from the element types included in this superelement.

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Chapter 2: Steady-State Thermal Analysis

2.2. Commands Used in Thermal Analyses

Section 2.7: Example of a Steady-State Thermal Analysis (Command or Batch Method) and Section 2.8: Doing a
Steady-State Thermal Analysis (GUI Method) show you how to perform an example steady-state thermal analysis
via command and via GUI, respectively.

For detailed, alphabetized descriptions of the ANSYS commands, see the ANSYS Commands Reference.

2.3. Tasks in a Thermal Analysis

The procedure for doing a thermal analysis involves three main tasks:

• Build the model.

• Apply loads and obtain the solution.
• Review the results.

The next few topics discuss what you must do to perform these steps. First, the text presents a general description
of the tasks required to complete each step. An example follows, based on an actual steady-state thermal ana-
lysis of a pipe junction. The example walks you through doing the analysis by choosing items from ANSYS GUI
menus, then shows you how to perform the same analysis using ANSYS commands.

2.4. Building the Model

To build the model, you specify the jobname and a title for your analysis. Then, you use the ANSYS preprocessor
(PREP7) to define the element types, element real constants, material properties, and the model geometry. (These
tasks are common to most analyses. The ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide explains them in detail.)

For a thermal analysis, you also need to keep these points in mind:

• To specify element types, you use either of the following:

Command(s): ET
GUI: Main Menu> Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete
• To define constant material properties, use either of the following:
Command(s): MP
GUI: Main Menu> Preprocessor> Material Props> Material Models> Thermal
• To define temperature-dependent properties, you first need to define a table of temperatures. Then,
define corresponding material property values. To define the temperatures table, use either of the following:
Command(s): MPTEMP or MPTGEN, and to define corresponding material property values, use
MPDATA.
GUI: Main Menu> Preprocessor> Material Props> Material Models> Thermal

Use the same GUI menu choices or the same commands to define temperature-dependent film coefficients (HF)
for convection.

Caution: If you specify temperature-dependent film coefficients (HF) in polynomial form, you should
specify a temperature table before you define other materials having constant properties.

2.4.1. Creating Model Geometry

There is no single procedure for building model geometry; the tasks you must perform to create it vary greatly,
depending on the size and shape of the structure you wish to model. Therefore, the next few paragraphs provide

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 Section 2.5: Applying Loads and Obtaining the Solution

only a generic overview of the tasks typically required to build model geometry. For more detailed information
about modeling and meshing procedures and techniques, see the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide.

The first step in creating geometry is to build a solid model of the item you are analyzing. You can use either
predefined geometric shapes such as circles and rectangles (known within ANSYS as primitives), or you can
manually define nodes and elements for your model. The 2-D primitives are called areas, and 3-D primitives are
called volumes.

Model dimensions are based on a global coordinate system. By default, the global coordinate system is Cartesian,
with X, Y, and Z axes; however, you can choose a different coordinate system if you wish. Modeling also uses a
working plane - a movable reference plane used to locate and orient modeling entities. You can turn on the
working plane grid to serve as a "drawing tablet" for your model.

You can tie together, or sculpt, the modeling entities you create via Boolean operations, For example, you can
add two areas together to create a new, single area that includes all parts of the original areas. Similarly, you can
overlay an area with a second area, then subtract the second area from the first; doing so creates a new, single
area with the overlapping portion of area 2 removed from area 1.

Once you finish building your solid model, you use meshing to "fill" the model with nodes and elements. For
more information about meshing, see the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide.

2.5. Applying Loads and Obtaining the Solution

You must define the analysis type and options, apply loads to the model, specify load step options, and initiate
the finite element solution.

2.5.1. Defining the Analysis Type

During this phase of the analysis, you must first define the analysis type:

• In the GUI, choose menu path Main Menu Solution> Analysis Type> New Analysis> Steady-state
(static).
• If this is a new analysis, issue the command ANTYPE,STATIC,NEW.
• If you want to restart a previous analysis (for example, to specify additional loads), issue the command
ANTYPE,STATIC,REST. You can restart an analysis only if the files Jobname.ESAV and Jobname.DB from
the previous run are available.

2.5.2. Applying Loads

You can apply loads either on the solid model (keypoints, lines, and areas) or on the finite element model (nodes
and elements). You can specify loads using the conventional method of applying a single load individually to
the appropriate entity, or you can apply complex boundary conditions as tabular boundary conditions (see
Section 2.5.14: Applying Loads Using TABLE Type Array Parameters in the ANSYS Basic Analysis Guide) or as
function boundary conditions (see Section 2.5.15: Applying Loads Using Function Boundary Conditions).

You can specify five types of thermal loads:

2.5.2.1. Constant Temperatures (TEMP)

These are DOF constraints usually specified at model boundaries to impose a known, fixed temperature. For
SHELL131 and SHELL132 elements with KEYOPT(3) = 0 or 1, use the labels TBOT, TE2, TE3, . . ., TTOP instead of
TEMP when defining DOF constraints.

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2.5.2.2. Heat Flow Rate (HEAT)

These are concentrated nodal loads. Use them mainly in line-element models (conducting bars, convection links,
etc.) where you cannot specify convections and heat fluxes. A positive value of heat flow rate indicates heat
flowing into the node (that is, the element gains heat). If both TEMP and HEAT are specified at a node, the tem-
perature constraint prevails. For SHELL131 and SHELL132 elements with KEYOPT(3) = 0 or 1, use the labels HBOT,
HE2, HE3, . . ., HTOP instead of HEAT when defining nodal loads.

Note — If you use nodal heat flow rate for solid elements, you should refine the mesh around the point
where you apply the heat flow rate as a load, especially if the elements containing the node where the
load is applied have widely different thermal conductivities. Otherwise, you may get an non-physical
range of temperature. Whenever possible, use the alternative option of using the heat generation rate
load or the heat flux rate load. These options are more accurate, even for a reasonably coarse mesh.

2.5.2.3. Convections (CONV)

Convections are surface loads applied on exterior surfaces of the model to account for heat lost to (or gained
from) a surrounding fluid medium. They are available only for solids and shells. In line-element models, you can
specify convections through the convection link element (LINK34).

2.5.2.4. Heat Fluxes (HFLUX)

Heat fluxes are also surface loads. Use them when the amount of heat transfer across a surface (heat flow rate
per area) is known, or is calculated through a FLOTRAN CFD analysis. A positive value of heat flux indicates heat
flowing into the element. Heat flux is used only with solids and shells. An element face may have either CONV
or HFLUX (but not both) specified as a surface load. If you specify both on the same element face, ANSYS uses
what was specified last.

2.5.2.5. Heat Generation Rates (HGEN)

You apply heat generation rates as "body loads" to represent heat generated within an element, for example by
a chemical reaction or an electric current. Heat generation rates have units of heat flow rate per unit volume.

Table 2.9: “Thermal Analysis Load Types” below summarizes the types of thermal analysis loads.

Table 2.9 Thermal Analysis Load Types

Load Type Category Cmd Family GUI Path
Temperature (TEMP, Constraints D Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal>
TBOT, TE2, TE3, . . . Temperature
TTOP)
Heat Flow Rate Forces F Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal>
(HEAT, HBOT, HE2, Heat Flow
HE3, . . . HTOP)
Convection (CONV), Surface Loads SF Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal>
Heat Flux (HFLUX) Convection
Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal>
Heat Flux
Heat Generation Rate Body Loads BF Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal>
(HGEN) Heat Generat

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Table 2.10: “Load Commands for a Thermal Analysis” lists all the commands you can use to apply, remove, operate
on, or list loads in a thermal analysis.

Table 2.10 Load Commands for a Thermal Analysis

Load Type Solid or FE Model Entity Apply Delete List Operate Settings
Temperature Solid Model Keypoints DK DKDELE DKLIST DTRAN -
" Finite Element Nodes D DDELE DLIST DSCALE DCUM, TUNIF
Heat Flow Rate Solid Model Keypoints FK FKDELE FKLIST FTRAN -
" Finite Element Nodes F FDELE FLIST FSCALE FCUM
Convection, Solid Model Lines SFL SFLDELE SFLLIST SFTRAN SFGRAD
Heat Flux
" Solid Model Areas SFA SFADELE SFALIST SFTRAN SFGRAD
" Finite Element Nodes SF SFDELE SFLIST SFSCALE SFGRAD, SFCUM
" Finite Element Elements SFE SFEDELE SFELIST SFSCALE SFBEAM, SFCUM,
SFFUN, SFGRAD
Heat Generation Solid Model Keypoints BFK BFKDELE BFKLIST BFTRAN -
Rate
" Solid Model Lines BFL BFLDELE BFLLIST BFTRAN -
" Solid Model Areas BFA BFADELE BFALIST BFTRAN -
" Solid Model Volumes BFV BFVDELE BFVLIST BFTRAN -
" Finite Element Nodes BF BFDELE BFLIST BFSCALE BFCUM
" " Elements BFE BFEDELE BFELIST BFSCALE BFCUM

You access all loading operations (except List; see below) through a series of cascading menus. From the Solution
Menu, you choose the operation (apply, delete, etc.), then the load type (temperature, etc.), and finally the object
to which you are applying the load (keypoint, node, etc.).

For example, to apply a temperature load to a keypoint, follow this GUI path:

GUI:
Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal> Temperature> On Keypoints

2.5.3. Using Table and Function Boundary Conditions

In addition to the general rules for applying tabular boundary conditions, some details are information is specific
to thermal analyses. This information is explained in this section. For detailed information on defining table array
parameters (both interactively and via command), see the ANSYS APDL Programmer's Guide.

There are no restrictions on element types.

Table 2.11: “Boundary Condition Type and Corresponding Primary Variable” lists the primary variables that can
be used with each type of boundary condition in a thermal analysis.

Table 2.11 Boundary Condition Type and Corresponding Primary Variable

Thermal Boundary Condition Cmd. Family Primary Variable
Fixed Temperature D TIME, X, Y, Z
Heat Flow F TIME, X, Y, Z, TEMP

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Thermal Boundary Condition Cmd. Family Primary Variable

Film Coefficient (Convection) SF TIME, X, Y, Z, TEMP, VELOCITY
Bulk Temperature (Convections) SF TIME, X, Y, Z
Heat Flux SF TIME, X, Y, Z, TEMP
Heat Generation BF TIME, X, Y, Z, TEMP
Fluid Element (FLUID116 ) Boundary Condition
Flow Rate SFE TIME
Pressure D TIME, X, Y, Z

An example of how to run a steady-state thermal analysis using tabular boundary conditions is described in
Section 2.9: Doing a Thermal Analysis Using Tabular Boundary Conditions.

For more flexibility defining arbitrary heat transfer coefficients, use function boundary conditions. For detailed
information on defining functions and applying them as loads, see Section 2.5.15: Applying Loads Using Function
Boundary Conditions in the ANSYS Basic Analysis Guide. Additional primary variables that are available using
functions are listed below.

• Tsurf (TS) (element surface temperature for SURF151 or SURF152 elements)

• Density (material property DENS)
• Specific heat (material property C)
• Thermal conductivity (material property KXX)
• Thermal conductivity (material property KYY)
• Thermal conductivity (material property KZZ)
• Viscosity (material property VISC)
• Emissivity (material property EMIS)

2.5.4. Specifying Load Step Options

For a thermal analysis, you can specify general options, nonlinear options, and output controls.

Table 2.12 Specifying Load Step Options

Option Command GUI Path
General Options
Time TIME Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Time/Frequenc> Time-
Time Step
Number of Time Steps NSUBST Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Time/Frequenc> Time
and Substps
Time Step Size DELTIM Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Time/Frequenc> Time-
Time Step
Stepped or Ramped Loads KBC Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Time/Frequenc> Time-
Time Step
Nonlinear Options
Max. No. of Equilibrium Itera- NEQIT Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Nonlinear> Equilibrium
tions Iter

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Option Command GUI Path

Automatic Time Stepping AUTOTS Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Time/Frequenc> Time-
Time Step
Convergence Tolerances CNVTOL Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Nonlinear> Convergence
Crit
Solution Termination Options NCNV Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Nonlinear> Criteria to
Stop
Line Search Option LNSRCH Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Nonlinear> Line Search
Predictor-Corrector Option PRED Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Nonlinear> Predictor
Output Control Options
Printed Output OUTPR Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Output Ctrls> Solu Prin-
tout
Database and Results File OUTRES Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Output Ctrls> DB/Results
Output File
Extrapolation of Results ERESX Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Output Ctrls> Integration
Pt

2.5.5. General Options

General options include the following:

• The TIME option.

This option specifies time at the end of the load step. Although time has no physical meaning in a steady-
state analysis, it provides a convenient way to refer to load steps and substeps.

The default time value is 1.0 for the first load step and 1.0 plus the previous time for subsequent load
steps.
• The number of substeps per load step, or the time step size.

A nonlinear analysis requires multiple substeps within each load step. By default, the program uses one
substep per load step.
• Stepped or ramped loads.

If you apply stepped loads, the load value remains constant for the entire load step.

If you ramp loads (the default), the load values increment linearly at each substep of the load step.
• Monitor Results in Real Time

The NLHIST command allows you to monitor results of interest in real time during a solution. Before
starting the solution, you can request nodal data such as temperatures or heat flows. You can also request
element nodal data such as thermal gradients and fluxes at specific elements to be graphed. The result
data are written to a file named Jobname.nlh. Nodal results and contact results are monitored at every
converged substep while element nodal data are written as specified via the OUTRES setting. You can
also track results during batch runs. To execute, either:

– Access the ANSYS Launcher and select File Tracking from the Tools menu.

Or...
– Type nlhist100 in the command line.

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Use the supplied file browser to navigate to your Jobname.nlh file, and click on it to invoke the tracking
utility. You can use this utility to read the file at any time, even after the solution is complete.

To use this option, use either of these methods:

Command(s): NLHIST
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Results Tracking

2.5.6. Nonlinear Options

Specify nonlinear load step options if nonlinearities are present. Nonlinear options include the following:

• Number of equilibrium iterations.

This option specifies the maximum allowable number of equilibrium iterations per substep. The default
value of 25 should be enough for most nonlinear thermal analyses.
• Automatic time stepping.

For nonlinear problems, automatic time stepping determines the amount of load increment between
substeps, to maintain solution stability and accuracy.
• Convergence tolerances.

ANSYS considers a nonlinear solution to be converged whenever specified convergence criteria are met.
Convergence checking may be based on temperatures, heat flow rates, or both. You specify a typical value
for the desired item (VALUE field in the CNVTOL command) and a tolerance about the typical value
(TOLER field). The convergence criterion is then given by VALUE x TOLER. For instance, if you specify 500
as the typical value of temperature and 0.001 as the tolerance, the convergence criterion for temperature
is 0.5 degrees.

For temperatures, ANSYS compares the change in nodal temperatures between successive equilibrium
iterations ( ∆T = Ti -Ti-1) to the convergence criterion. Using the above example, the solution is converged
when the temperature difference at every node from one iteration to the next is less than 0.5 degrees.

For heat flow rates, ANSYS compares the out-of-balance load vector to the convergence criterion. The
out-of-balance load vector represents the difference between the applied heat flows and the internal
(calculated) heat flows.
• Termination settings for unconverged solutions.

If ANSYS cannot converge the solution within the specified number of equilibrium iterations, ANSYS either
stops the solution or moves on to the next load step, depending on what you specify as the stopping
criteria.
• Line search.

This option enables ANSYS to perform a line search with the Newton-Raphson method.
• Predictor-corrector option.

This option activates the predictor-corrector option for the degree of freedom solution at the first equilib-
rium iteration of each substep.

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2.5.6.1. Tracking Convergence Graphically

As a nonlinear thermal analysis proceeds, ANSYS computes convergence norms with corresponding convergence
criteria each equilibrium iteration. Available in both batch and interactive sessions, the Graphical Solution
Tracking (GST) feature displays the computed convergence norms and criteria while the solution is in process.
By default, GST is ON for interactive sessions and OFF for batch runs. To turn GST on or off, use either of the fol-
lowing:
Command(s): /GST
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Output Ctrls> Grph Solu Track

Figure 2.1: “Convergence Norms” below shows a typical GST display.

Figure 2.1 Convergence Norms

Displayed by the Graphical Solution Tracking (GST) Feature

2.5.7. Output Controls

The third class of load step options enables you to control output. The options are as follows:

• Control printed output.

This option enables you to include any results data in the printed output file (Jobname.OUT).
• Control database and results file output

This option controls what data ANSYS writes to the results file (Jobname.RTH).
• Extrapolate results.

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Use this option to review element integration point results by copying them to the nodes instead of ex-
trapolating them. (Extrapolation is the default.)

2.5.8. Defining Analysis Options

Next, you define the analysis options. Possible options include:

• The Newton-Raphson option (used only in nonlinear analyses). This option specifies how often the tangent
matrix is updated during solution. You can specify one of these values:

– Program-chosen (default; recommended for thermal analysis)

– Full
– Modified
– Initial conductivity

Note — For single-field nonlinear thermal analysis, ANSYS will always use the full Newton-Raphson
algorithm.

To use this option, or to turn Newton-Raphson adaptive descent on or off (valid only for the full Newton-
Raphson option), use either of these methods:
Command(s): NROPT
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Analysis Type> Analysis Options
• Selecting an equation solver. You can specify any of these values:

– Sparse solver (default for static and full transient analyses)

– Frontal solver
– Jacobi Conjugate Gradient (JCG) solver
– JCG out-of-memory solver
– Incomplete Cholesky Conjugate Gradient (ICCG) solver
– Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient solver (PCG)
– PCG out-of-memory solver
– Algebraic Multigrid (AMG) solver
– Iterative (automatic solver selection option)

Note — The AMG solver is part of Parallel Performance for ANSYS, which is a separately-licensed
product. See Chapter 15, “Improving ANSYS Performance and Parallel Performance for ANSYS” in
the ANSYS Advanced Analysis Techniques Guide for more information about using the AMG solver.

To select an equation solver, use either of the following:

Command(s): EQSLV
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Analysis Type> Analysis Options

Note — You can use the Iterative (Fast Solution) option for any thermal element except superele-
ments (i.e., as created by AUX12 for radiation analysis). It is not recommended for heat transfer
problems involving phase change (use either the sparse or frontal solver for these cases). This
option suppresses the creation of the Jobname.EMAT and Jobname.EROT files.

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• Specifying a temperature offset. This is the difference in degrees between absolute zero and the zero of
the temperature system being used. The offset temperature is included internally in the calculations of
pertinent elements (such as elements with radiation effects or creep capabilities). It allows you to input
temperatures in degrees Centigrade (instead of Kelvin) or degrees Fahrenheit (instead of Rankine), and
then postprocess temperatures in like fashion. For more information, see Chapter 4, “Radiation”.

To specify the offset temperature, use either of the following:

Command(s): TOFFST
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Analysis Type> Analysis Options

2.5.9. Saving the Model

After you have specified the load step and analysis options, you should save a backup copy of the database to
prevent your model from being lost if your computer system should fail. Should you ever need to retrieve your
model, do so via either of the following:
Command(s): RESUME
GUI: Utility Menu> File> Resume Jobname.db
Utility Menu> File> Resume from

2.5.10. Solving the Model

To start the solution, use either of the following:
Command(s): SOLVE
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Solve> Current LS

2.6. Reviewing Analysis Results

ANSYS writes the results from a thermal analysis to the thermal results file, Jobname.RTH. Results contain the
following data:

2.6.1. Primary data

• Nodal temperatures (TEMP, TBOT, TE2, TE3, . . . TTOP)

2.6.2. Derived data

• Nodal and element thermal fluxes (TFX, TFY, TFZ, TFSUM)
• Nodal and element thermal gradients (TGX, TGY, TGZ, TGSUM)
• Element heat flow rates
• Nodal reaction heat flow rates
• ...etc.

You can review these results using the general postprocessor, POST1 (The GUI menu path is Main Menu> Gen-
eral Postproc.) Some typical postprocessing operations for a thermal analysis are described below. For a complete
description of all postprocessing functions, see the ANSYS Basic Analysis Guide.

Note — To review results in the general postprocessor, the ANSYS database must contain the same
model for which the solution was calculated. (If necessary, use the resume operation or issue the RESUME
command to retrieve the model.) In addition, the results file, Jobname.RTH, must be available.

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2.6.3. Reading In Results

After you enter POST1, read in results for the desired load step and substep. To do so, use either of the following:
Command(s): SET
GUI: Main Menu> General Postproc> Read Results> By Load Step

You can choose the load step to be read by number, or you can request that the first load step be read, the last
load step, the next load step, etc. If you are using the GUI, a dialog box presents you with options for choosing
the load step to be read.

The TIME field enables you to identify the results data by time. If you specify a time value for which no results
are available, ANSYS performs linear interpolation to calculate the results at that time.

2.6.4. Reviewing Results

Once you have read results into memory, you can use the ANSYS graphics displays and tables to review them.
To display your results, use the following menu paths. Equivalent commands are shown in parentheses.

For contour displays:

Command(s): PLESOL , PLETAB, PLNSOL
GUI: Main Menu> General Postproc> Plot Results> Contour Plot> Element Solu
Main Menu> General Postproc> Plot Results> Contour Plot> Elem Table
Main Menu> General Postproc> Plot Results> Contour Plot> Nodal Solu

Figure 2.2: “Contour Results Plot” shows you an example of a contour display:

Figure 2.2 Contour Results Plot

For vector displays:

Command(s): PLVECT

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GUI: Main Menu> General Postproc> Plot Results> Vector Plot> Pre-defined or Userdefined

Figure 2.3: “Vector Display” shows you an example of a vector display:

Figure 2.3 Vector Display

For table listings:

Command(s): PRESOL, PRNSOL , PRRSOL
GUI: Main Menu> General Postproc> List Results> Element Solution
Main Menu> General Postproc> List Results> Nodal Solution
Main Menu> General Postproc> List Results> Reaction Solu

When you choose one of the GUI paths or issue one of the commands shown above, the ANSYS program displays
the results in a text window (not shown here).

2.7. Example of a Steady-State Thermal Analysis (Command or Batch

Method)
This section describes how to do a steady-state thermal stress analysis of a pipe intersection by issuing a sequence
of ANSYS commands, either while running ANSYS in batch mode or by issuing the commands manually during
an interactive ANSYS session. Section 2.8: Doing a Steady-State Thermal Analysis (GUI Method) explains how to
perform the same example analysis by choosing options from the ANSYS menus.

2.7.1. The Example Described

In this example, a cylindrical tank is penetrated radially by a small pipe at a point on its axis remote from the
ends of the tank. The inside of the tank is exposed to a fluid of 450°F (232°C). The pipe experiences a steady flow
of 100°F (38°C) fluid, and the two flow regimes are isolated from each other by a thin tube. The film coefficient
in the tank is a steady 250 Btu/hr-ft2-°F (1420 watts/m2-°K). The film coefficient in the pipe varies with the metal
temperature and is given in the material property table below.

The purpose of the example is to determine the temperature distribution at the pipe-tank junction.

Note — The example analysis presented here is only one of many possible thermal analyses. Not all
thermal analyses follow exactly the same steps or perform those steps in the same sequence. The prop-
erties of the material or materials being analyzed and the conditions surrounding those materials determ-
ine which steps a specific analysis needs to include.

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Material properties are as follows:

Table 2.13 Material Properties for the Sample Analysis

Temperature 70 200 300 400 500 (°F)
Density 0.285 0.285 0.285 0.285 0.285 (lb/in3)
Conductivity 8.35 8.90 9.35 9.80 10.23 (Btu/hr-ft-°F)
Specific Heat 0.113 0.117 0.119 0.122 0.125 (Btu/lb-°F)
Film Coefficient 426 405 352 275 221 (Btu/hr-ft2-°F)

Figure 2.4 Pipe-Tank Junction Model

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2.7.2. The Analysis Approach

The model in this example uses quarter-symmetry to represent the pipe-tank junction. The tank is assumed to
be long enough for its remote end to be held at a constant temperature of 450°F. A similar assumption is made
at the Y=0 plane of the tank.

Building the model involves defining two cylinder primitives and a Boolean overlap operation. A mapped (all-
brick) mesh is used. The meshing operation produces warnings for a few distorted elements, but you can ignore
the warnings because the cited elements are remote from the region of interest (the junction of the pipe and
tank).

Because the analysis uses temperature-dependent material properties, the solution requires multiple substeps
(50 in this case). Automatic time stepping also is used. After you solve the model, a temperature contour plot
and a vector plot of thermal flux enables you to review the results.

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2.7.3. Commands for Building and Solving the Model

The following sequence of commands builds and solves the finite element model. Text preceded by an exclam-
ation mark (!) is comment text.
/PREP7
/TITLE,Steady-state thermal analysis of pipe junction
/UNITS,BIN ! Use British system of units (inches)
/SHOW, ! Specify graphics driver for interactive run
!
ET,1,90 ! Define 20-node, 3-D thermal solid element
MP,DENS,1,.285 ! Density = .285 lbf/in^3
MPTEMP,,70,200,300,400,500 ! Create temperature table
MPDATA,KXX,1,,8.35/12,8.90/12,9.35/12,9.80/12,10.23/12
! Define conductivity values
MPDATA,C,1,,.113,.117,.119,.122,.125
! Define specific heat values
MPDATA,HF,2,,426/144,405/144,352/144,275/144,221/144
! Define film coefficients

! Define parameters for model generation

RI1=1.3 ! Inside radius of cylindrical tank
RO1=1.5 ! Outside radius
Z1=2 ! Length
RI2=.4 ! Inside radius of pipe
RO2=.5 ! Outside pipe radius
Z2=2 ! Pipe length
!
CYLIND,RI1,RO1,,Z1,,90 ! 90 degree cylindrical volume for tank
WPROTA,0,-90 ! Rotate working plane to pipe axis
CYLIND,RI2,RO2,,Z2,-90 ! 90 degree cylindrical volume for pipe
WPSTYL,DEFA ! Return working plane to default setting
BOPT,NUMB,OFF ! Turn off Boolean numbering warning
VOVLAP,1,2 ! Overlap the two cylinders
/PNUM,VOLU,1 ! Turn volume numbers on
/VIEW,,-3,-1,1
/TYPE,,4
/TITLE,Volumes used in building pipe/tank junction
VPLOT
VDELE,3,4,,1 ! Trim off excess volumes

! Meshing
ASEL,,LOC,Z,Z1 ! Select area at remote Z edge of tank
ASEL,A,LOC,Y,0 ! Select area at remote Y edge of tank
CM,AREMOTE,AREA ! Create area component called AREMOTE
/PNUM,AREA,1
/PNUM,LINE,1
/TITLE,Lines showing the portion being modeled
APLOT
/NOERASE
LPLOT ! Overlay line plot on area plot
/ERASE
ACCAT,ALL ! Concatenate areas and lines
! at remote tank edges
LCCAT,12,7
LCCAT,10,5
LESIZE,20,,,4 ! 4 divisions through pipe thickness
LESIZE,40,,,6 ! 6 divisions along pipe length
LESIZE,6,,,4 ! 4 divisions through tank thickness
ALLSEL ! Restore full set of entities
ESIZE,.4 ! Set default element size
MSHAPE,0,3D ! Choose mapped brick mesh
MSHKEY,1
SAVE ! Save database before meshing
VMESH,ALL ! Generate nodes and elements within volumes
/PNUM,DEFA
/TITLE,Elements in portion being modeled
EPLOT
FINISH
!
/COM, *** Obtain solution ***

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!
/SOLU
ANTYPE,STATIC ! Steady-state analysis type
NROPT,AUTO ! Program-chosen Newton-Raphson option
TUNIF,450 ! Uniform starting temperature at all nodes
CSYS,1
NSEL,S,LOC,X,RI1 ! Nodes on inner tank surface
SF,ALL,CONV,250/144,450 ! Convection load at all nodes
CMSEL,,AREMOTE ! Select AREMOTE component
NSLA,,1 ! Nodes belonging to AREMOTE
D,ALL,TEMP,450 ! Temperature constraints at those nodes
WPROTA,0,-90 ! Rotate working plane to pipe axis
CSWPLA,11,1 ! Define local cylindrical c.s at working plane
NSEL,S,LOC,X,RI2 ! Nodes on inner pipe surface
SF,ALL,CONV,-2,100 ! Temperature-dep. convection load at those nodes
ALLSEL
/PBC,TEMP,,1 ! Temperature b.c. symbols on
/PSF,CONV,,2 ! Convection symbols on
/TITLE,Boundary conditions
NPLOT
WPSTYL,DEFA
CSYS,0
AUTOTS,ON ! Automatic time stepping
NSUBST,50 ! Number of substeps
KBC,0 ! Ramped loading (default)
OUTPR,NSOL,LAST ! Optional command for solution printout
SOLVE
FINISH
!
/COM, *** Review results ***
!
/POST1
/EDGE,,1 ! Edge display
/PLOPTS,INFO,ON ! Legend column on
/PLOPTS,LEG1,OFF ! Legend header off
/WINDOW,1,SQUARE ! Redefine window size
/TITLE,Temperature contours at pipe/tank junction
PLNSOL,TEMP ! Plot temperature contours
CSYS,11
NSEL,,LOC,X,RO2 ! Nodes and elements at outer radius of pipe
ESLN
NSLE
/SHOW,,,1 ! Vector mode
/TITLE,Thermal flux vectors at pipe/tank junction
PLVECT,TF ! Plot thermal flux vectors
FINISH
/EXIT,ALL

2.8. Doing a Steady-State Thermal Analysis (GUI Method)

This section describes how to use the menus on the ANSYS GUI to perform the same steady-state thermal ana-
lysis described in Section 2.7: Example of a Steady-State Thermal Analysis (Command or Batch Method). In this
version of the sample analysis, instead of issuing commands, you select options from the GUI menus.

Step 1: Give the Analysis a Title

After you have started the ANSYS program and have entered the GUI, you need to begin the analysis by assigning
a title to it. To do so, perform these tasks:

1. Choose Utility Menu> File> Change Title. The Change Title dialog box appears.
2. Enter the text Steady-state thermal analysis of pipe junction.
3. Click on OK.

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Step 2: Set Measurement Units

You need to specify units of measurement for the analysis. For this pipe junction example, measurements use
the British system of units (based on inches). To specify this, type the command /UNITS,BIN in the ANSYS Input
window and press ENTER.

Step 3: Define the Element Type

The example analysis uses a thermal solid element. To define it, do the following:

1. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete. The Element Types dialog box
appears.
2. Click on Add. The Library of Element Types dialog box appears.
3. In the list on the left, scroll down and pick (highlight) "Thermal Solid." In the list on the right, pick
"Brick20node 90."
4. Click on OK.
5. Click on Close to close the Element Types dialog box.

Step 4: Define Material Properties

To define material properties for the analysis, perform these steps:

1. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Material Props> Material Models. The Define Material Model
Behavior dialog box appears.
2. In the Material Models Available window, double-click on the following options: Thermal, Density. A
dialog box appears.
3. Enter .285 for DENS (Density), and click on OK. Material Model Number 1 appears in the Material Models
Defined window on the left.
4. In the Material Models Available window, double-click on the following options: Conductivity, Isotropic.
A dialog box appears.
5. Click on the Add Temperature button four times. Four columns are added.
6. In the T1 through T5 fields, enter the following temperature values: 70, 200, 300, 400, and 500. Select
the row of temperatures by dragging the cursor across the text fields. Then copy the temperatures by
pressing Ctrl-c.
7. In the KXX (Thermal Conductivity) fields, enter the following values, in order, for each of the temperatures,
then click on OK. Note that to keep the units consistent, each of the given values of KXX must be divided
by 12. You can just input the fractions and have ANSYS perform the calculations.
8.35/12
8.90/12
9.35/12
9.80/12
10.23/12

8. In the Material Models Available window, double-click on Specific Heat. A dialog box appears.
9. Click on the Add Temperature button four times. Four columns are added.
10. With the cursor positioned in the T1 field, paste the five temperatures by pressing Ctrl-v.
11. In the C (Specific Heat) fields, enter the following values, in order, for each of the temperatures, then
click on OK.

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.113
.117
.119
.122
.125

12. Choose menu path Material> New Model, then enter 2 for the new Material ID. Click on OK. Material
Model Number 2 appears in the Material Models Defined window on the left.
13. In the Material Models Available window, double-click on Convection or Film Coef. A dialog box appears.
14. Click on the Add Temperature button four times. Four columns are added.
15. With the cursor positioned in the T1 field, paste the five temperatures by pressing Ctrl-v.
16. In the HF (Film Coefficient) fields, enter the following values, in order, for each of the temperatures. To
keep the units consistent, each value of HF must be divided by 144. As in step 7, you can input the data
as fractions and let ANSYS perform the calculations.
426/144
405/144
352/144
275/144
221/144

17. Click on the Graph button to view a graph of Film Coefficients vs. temperature, then click on OK.
18. Choose menu path Material> Exit to remove the Define Material Model Behavior dialog box.
19. Click on SAVE_DB on the ANSYS Toolbar.

Step 5: Define Parameters for Modeling

1. Choose Utility Menu> Parameters> Scalar Parameters. The Scalar Parameters window appears.
2. In the window's Selection field, enter the values shown below. (Do not enter the text in parentheses.)
Press ENTER after typing in each value. If you make a mistake, simply retype the line containing the error.
RI1=1.3 (Inside radius of the cylindrical tank)
RO1=1.5 (Outside radius of the tank)
Z1=2 (Length of the tank)
RI2=.4 (Inside radius of the pipe)
RO2=.5 (Outside radius of the pipe)
Z2=2 (Length of the pipe)

3. Click on Close to close the window.

Step 6: Create the Tank and Pipe Geometry

1. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Volumes> Cylinder> By Dimensions. The
Create Cylinder by Dimensions dialog box appears.
2. Set the "Outer radius" field to RO1, the "Optional inner radius" field to RI1, the "Z coordinates" fields to
0 and Z1 respectively, and the "Ending angle" field to 90.
3. Click on OK.
4. Choose Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Offset WP by Increments. The Offset WP dialog box appears.
5. Set the "XY, YZ, ZX Angles" field to 0,-90.
6. Click on OK.
7. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Volumes> Cylinder> By Dimensions. The
Create Cylinder by Dimensions dialog box appears.

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8. Set the "Outer radius" field to RO2, the "Optional inner radius" field to RI2, the "Z coordinates" fields to
0 and Z2 respectively. Set the "Starting angle" field to -90 and the "Ending Angle" to 0.
9. Click on OK.
10. Choose Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Align WP with> Global Cartesian.

Step 7: Overlap the Cylinders

1. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Overlap> Volumes. The
Overlap Volumes picking menu appears.
2. Click on Pick All.

Step 8: Review the Resulting Model

Before you continue with the analysis, quickly review your model. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Choose Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering. The Plot Numbering Controls dialog box appears.
2. Click the Volume numbers radio button to On, then click on OK.
3. Choose Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> View Settings> Viewing Direction. A dialog box appears.
4. Set the "Coords of view point" fields to (-3,-1,1), then click on OK.
5. Review the resulting model.
6. Click on SAVE_DB on the ANSYS Toolbar.

Step 9: Trim Off Excess Volumes

In this step, delete the overlapping edges of the tank and the lower portion of the pipe.

1. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Delete> Volume and Below. The Delete Volume and
Below picking menu appears.
2. In the picking menu, type 3,4 and press the ENTER key. Then click on OK in the Delete Volume and Below
picking menu.

Step 10: Create Component AREMOTE

In this step, you select the areas at the remote Y and Z edges of the tank and save them as a component called
AREMOTE. To do so, perform these tasks:

1. Choose Utility Menu> Select> Entities. The Select Entities dialog box appears.
2. In the top drop down menu, select Areas. In the second drop down menu, select By Location. Click on
the Z Coordinates radio button.
3. Set the "Min,Max" field to Z1.
4. Click on Apply.
5. Click on the Y Coordinates and Also Sele radio buttons.
6. Set the "Min,Max" field to 0.
7. Click on OK.
8. Choose Utility Menu> Select> Comp/Assembly> Create Component. The Create Component dialog
box appears.

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9. Set the "Component name" field to AREMOTE. In the "Component is made of" menu, select Areas.
10. Click on OK.

Step 11: Overlay Lines on Top of Areas

Do the following:

1. Choose Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering. The Plot Numbering Controls dialog box appears.
2. Click the Area and Line number radio boxes to On and click on OK.
3. Choose Utility Menu> Plot> Areas.
4. Choose Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Erase Options.
5. Set "Erase between Plots" radio button to Off.
6. Choose Utility Menu> Plot> Lines.
7. Choose Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Erase Options.
8. Set "Erase between Plots" radio button to On.

Step 12: Concatenate Areas and Lines

In this step, you concatenate areas and lines at the remote edges of the tank for mapped meshing. To do so,
follow these steps:

1. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> Mesh> Volumes> Mapped> Concatenate> Areas.
The Concatenate Areas picking menu appears.
2. Click on Pick All.
3. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> Mesh> Volumes> Mapped> Concatenate> Lines. A
picking menu appears.
4. Pick (click on) lines 12 and 7 (or enter in the picker).
5. Click on Apply.
6. Pick lines 10 and 5 (or enter in picker).
7. Click on OK.

Step 13: Set Meshing Density Along Lines

1. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> Size Cntrls> ManualSize>Lines> Picked Lines. The
Element Size on Picked Lines picking menu appears.
2. Pick lines 6 and 20 (or enter in the picker) .
3. Click on OK. The Element Sizes on Picked Lines dialog box appears.
4. Set the "No. of element divisions" field to 4.
5. Click on OK.
6. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> Size Cntrls> ManualSize> Lines> Picked Lines. A
picking menu appears.
7. Pick line 40 (or enter in the picker).
8. Click on OK. The Element Sizes on Picked Lines dialog box appears.

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9. Set the "No. of element divisions" field to 6.

10. Click on OK.

Step 14: Mesh the Model

In this sequence of steps, you set the global element size, set mapped meshing, then mesh the volumes.

1. Choose Utility Menu> Select> Everything.

2. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> Size Cntrls> ManualSize> Global> Size. The Global
Element Sizes dialog box appears.
3. Set the "Element edge length" field to 0.4 and click on OK.
4. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> Mesher Opts. The Mesher Options dialog box appears.
5. Set the Mesher Type radio button to Mapped and click on OK. The Set Element Shape dialog box appears.
6. In the 2-D shape key drop down menu, select Quad and click on OK.
7. Click on the SAVE_DB button on the Toolbar.
8. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> Mesh> Volumes> Mapped> 4 to 6 sided. The Mesh
Volumes picking menu appears. Click on Pick All. In the Graphics window, ANSYS builds the meshed
model. If a shape testing warning message appears, review it and click Close.

Step 15: Turn Off Numbering and Display Elements

1. Choose Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering. The Plot Numbering Controls dialog box appears.
2. Set the Line, Area, and Volume numbering radio buttons to Off.
3. Click on OK.

Step 16: Define the Solution Type and Options

In this step, you tell ANSYS that you want a steady-state solution that uses a program-chosen Newton-Raphson
option.

1. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Analysis Type> New Analysis. The New Analysis dialog box appears.
2. Click on OK to choose the default analysis type (Steady-state).
3. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Analysis Type> Analysis Options. The Static or Steady-State dialog
box appears.
4. Click on OK to accept the default (“Program-chosen”) for "Newton-Raphson option."

Step 17: Set Uniform Starting Temperature

In a thermal analysis, set a starting temperature.

1. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal> Temperature> Uniform Temp. A
dialog box appears.
2. Enter 450 for "Uniform temperature." Click on OK.

Step 18: Apply Convection Loads

This step applies convection loads to the nodes on the inner surface of the tank.

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1. Choose Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Change Active CS to> Global Cylindrical.

2. Choose Utility Menu> Select> Entities. The Select Entities dialog box appears.
3. Select Nodes and By Location, and click on the X Coordinates and From Full radio buttons.
4. Set the "Min,Max" field to RI1 and click on OK.
5. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal> Convection> On Nodes. The Apply
CONV on Nodes picking menu appears.
6. Click on Pick All. The Apply CONV on Nodes dialog box appears.
7. Set the "Film coefficient" field to 250/144.
8. Set the "Bulk temperature" field to 450.
9. Click on OK.

Step 19: Apply Temperature Constraints to AREMOTE Component

1. Choose Utility Menu> Select> Comp/Assembly> Select Comp/Assembly. A dialog box appears.
2. Click on OK to select component AREMOTE.
3. Choose Utility Menu> Select> Entities. The Select Entities dialog box appears.
4. Select Nodes and Attached To, and click on the Areas,All radio button. Click on OK.
5. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal> Temperature> On Nodes. The
Apply TEMP on Nodes picking menu appears.
6. Click on Pick All. A dialog box appears.
7. Set the "Load TEMP value" field to 450.
8. Click on OK.
9. Click on SAVE_DB on the ANSYS Toolbar.

Step 20: Apply Temperature-Dependent Convection

In this step, apply a temperature-dependent convection load on the inner surface of the pipe.

1. Choose Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Offset WP by Increments. A dialog box appears.

2. Set the "XY,YZ,ZX Angles" field to 0,-90, then click on OK.
3. Choose Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Local Coordinate Systems> Create Local CS> At WP Origin. The
Create Local CS at WP Origin dialog box appears.
4. On the "Type of coordinate system" menu, select "Cylindrical 1" and click on OK.
5. Choose Utility Menu> Select> Entities. The Select Entities dialog box appears.
6. Select Nodes, and By Location, and click on the X Coordinates radio button.
7. Set the "Min,Max" field to RI2.
8. Click on OK.
9. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal> Convection> On Nodes. The Apply
CONV on Nodes picking menu appears.
10. Click on Pick All. A dialog box appears.
11. Set the "Film coefficient" field to -2.

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12. Set the "Bulk temperature" field to 100.

13. Click on OK.
14. Choose Utility Menu> Select> Everything.
15. Choose Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Symbols. The Symbols dialog box appears.
16. On the "Show pres and convect as" menu, select Arrows, then click on OK.
17. Choose Utility Menu> Plot> Nodes. The display in the Graphics Window changes to show you a plot
of nodes.

Step 21: Reset the Working Plane and Coordinates

1. To reset the working plane and default Cartesian coordinate system, choose Utility Menu> WorkPlane>
Change Active CS to> Global Cartesian.
2. Choose Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Align WP With> Global Cartesian.

Step 22: Set Load Step Options

For this example analysis, you need to specify 50 substeps with automatic time stepping.

1. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Options> Time/Frequenc> Time and Substps. The Time
and Substep Options dialog box appears.
2. Set the "Number of substeps" field to 50.
3. Set "Automatic time stepping" radio button to On.
4. Click on OK.

Step 23: Solve the Model

1. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Solve> Current LS. The ANSYS program displays a summary of the
solution options in a /STAT command window.
2. Review the summary.
3. Choose Close to close the /STAT command window.
4. Click on OK in the Solve Current Load Step dialog box.
5. Click Yes in the Verify message window.
6. The solution runs. When the Solution is done! window appears, click on Close.

Step 24: Review the Nodal Temperature Results

1. Choose Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Style> Edge Options. The Edge Options dialog box appears.
2. Set the "Element outlines" field to "Edge only" for contour plots and click on OK.
3. Choose Main Menu> General Postproc> Plot Results> Contour Plot> Nodal Solu. The Contour
Nodal Solution Data dialog box appears.
4. For "Item to be contoured," pick "DOF solution" from the list on the left, then pick "Temperature TEMP"
from the list on the right.
5. Click on OK. The Graphics window displays a contour plot of the temperature results.

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Step 25: Plot Thermal Flux Vectors

In this step, you plot the thermal flux vectors at the intersection of the pipe and tank.

1. Choose Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Change Active CS to> Specified Coord Sys. A dialog box appears.
2. Set the "Coordinate system number" field to 11.
3. Click on OK.
4. Choose Utility Menu> Select> Entities. The Select Entities dialog box appears.
5. Select Nodes and By Location, and click the X Coordinates radio button.
6. Set the "Min,Max" field to RO2.
7. Click on Apply.
8. Select Elements and Attached To, and click the Nodes radio button.
9. Click on Apply.
10. Select Nodes and Attached To, then click on OK.
11. Choose Main Menu> General Postproc> Plot Results> Vector Plot> Predefined. A dialog box appears.
12. For "Vector item to be plotted," choose "Flux & gradient" from the list on the left and choose "Thermal
flux TF" from the list on the right.
13. Click on OK. The Graphics Window displays a plot of thermal flux vectors.

Step 26: Exit from ANSYS

To leave the ANSYS program, click on the QUIT button in the Toolbar. Choose an exit option and click on OK.

2.9. Doing a Thermal Analysis Using Tabular Boundary Conditions

This section describes how to perform a simple thermal analysis, using a 1-D table to apply loads. This problem
is shown twice, once done via commands, and then done interactively using the GUI.

2.9.1. Running the Sample Problem via Commands

Text preceded by an exclamation mark (!) is comment text.
/batch,list
/show
/title, Demonstration of position-varying film coefficient using Tabular BC's.
/com
/com * ------------------------------------------------------------------
/com * Table Support of boundary conditions
/com *
/com * Boundary Condition Type Primary Variables Independent Parameters
/com * ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------------
/com * Convection:Film Coefficient X -
/com *
/com * Problem description
/com *
/com * A static Heat Transfer problem. A 2 x 1 rectangular plate is
/com * subjected to temperature constraint at one of its end, while the
/com * remaining perimeter of the plate is subjected to a convection boundary
/com * condition. The film coefficient is a function of X-position and is described
/com * by a parametric table 'cnvtab'.
/com **
*dim,cnvtab,table,5,,,x ! table definition.
cnvtab(1,0) = 0.0,0.50,1.0,1.50,2.0 ! Variable name, Var1 = 'X'
cnvtab(1,1) = 20.0,30.0,50.0,80.0,120.0

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/prep7
esize,0.5
et,1,55
rect,0,2,0,1
amesh,1
MP,KXX,,1.0
MP,DENS,,10.0
MP,C,,100.0
lsel,s,loc,x,0
dl,all,,temp,100
alls
lsel,u,loc,x,0
nsll,s,1
sf,all,conv,%cnvtab%,20
alls
/psf,conv,hcoef,2 ! show convection bc.
/pnum,tabn,on ! show table names
nplot
fini
/solu
anty,static
kbc,1
nsubst,1
time,60
tunif,50
outres,all,all
solve
finish
/post1
set,last
sflist,all ! Numerical values of convection bc's
/pnum,tabn,off ! turn off table name
/psf,conv,hcoef,2 ! show convection bc.
/pnum,sval,1 ! show numerical values of table bc's
eplot! convection at t=60 sec.
plns,temp
fini

2.9.2. Running the Sample Problem Interactively

The same problem is shown here using interactive menu selections on the GUI.

Step 1: Define a 1-D table

1. Choose Utility Menu> Parameters> Array Parameters> Define/Edit. The Array Parameters dialog box
appears. Click Add...
2. The Add New Array Parameter dialog box appears. Type cnvtab in the "Parameter name" field.
3. Select "Table" for Parameter type.
4. Enter 5,1,1 as I,J,K values
5. Enter X as row variable.
6. Click OK.
7. In the Array Parameters dialog box, make sure cnvtab is highlighted and click Edit. The Table Array:CN-
VTAB=f(X) table editor dialog box appears. (See Section 3.10.3: TABLE Type Array Parameters in the ANSYS
APDL Programmer's Guide for details about table arrays.)
8. Two columns appear in the table editor dialog box. The first column is column 0; the second column is
column 1. Column 0 contains six boxes. Do not do anything in the first (top) box. In the five other boxes,
type 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0. These are row index values.
9. Column 1 also contains six boxes. You do not have to enter anything in the blue (top) box, because this
table is one-dimensional. In the other five boxes, type 20, 30, 50, 80, and 120.

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10. Choose File> Apply/Quit.

11. Close the Array Parameters dialog box.

Step 2: Define your element type and material properties

1. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete. The Element Types dialog box
appears. Click Add.
2. The Library of Element Types dialog box appears. Select Thermal Solid from the list on the left, and select
Quad 4node 55 from the list on the right.
3. Click OK.
4. Close the Element Types dialog box.
5. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Material Props> Material Models. The Define Material Model
Behavior dialog box appears.
6. In the Material Models Available window, double-click on the following options: Thermal, Density. A
dialog box appears.
7. Enter 10.0 for DENS (density). Click on OK. Material Model Number 1 appears in the Material Models
Defined window on the left.
8. In the Material Models Available window, double-click on the following options: Conductivity, Isotropic.
A dialog box appears.
9. Enter 1.0 for KXX (Thermal conductivity). Click on OK.
10. In the Material Models Available window, double-click on Specific Heat. A dialog box appears.
11. Enter 100.0 for C (Specific Heat). Click on OK.
12. Choose menu path Material> Exit to remove the Define Material Model Behavior dialog box.

Step 3: Build and mesh your model

1. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Rectangle> By Dimensions. The
Create Rectangle by Dimensions dialog box appears.
2. Enter 0, 2 for X1,X2 coordinates.
3. Enter 0, 1 for Y1, Y2 coordinates.
4. Click OK. A rectangular area appears on the screen.
5. Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> MeshTool.
6. Under the Size Controls section of the Mesh Tool, click Globl,Set. The Global Element Sizes dialog box
appears.
7. Set the “Element endge length” field to 0.5 and click on OK.
8. In the Mesh area of the Mesh Tool, choose Areas and Map and verify that Quad and 3/4 sided are selected.
9. Click on MESH. The Mesh Areas picking menu appears.
10. Click on Pick All. The mesh appears in the Graphics window.
11. Close the MeshTool dialog box.
12. Click on SAVE_DB on the ANSYS Toolbar.

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Step 4: Apply Tabular Boundary Conditions

1. Choose Utility Menu> Plot> Lines.
2. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal> Temperature> On Lines. The Apply
TEMP on Lines picking menu appears.
3. In the Graphics window, select the vertical line at x=0 (on the far left of the model). Click OK.
4. The Apply TEMP on lines dialog box appears.
5. Enter 100 for VALUE. Click OK.
6. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal> Convection> On Lines. The Apply
CONV on Lines picking menu appears.
7. In the Graphics window, select all lines except the line at x = 0.
8. Click OK. The Apply CONV on lines dialog box appears.
9. In the drop-down selection box for "Apply Film Coef on lines," select "Existing table."
10. Remove any value in the VALI field.
11. Enter 20 in the "VAL2I Bulk temperature" field. Click OK.
12. A second Apply CONV on lines dialog box appears. Verify that the selection box for "Existing table" shows
CNVTAB. Click OK. The ANSYS Graphics Window displays arrows on all lines except the line at x = 0.
13. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Thermal> Temperature> Uniform Temp. The
Uniform Temperature dialog box appears.
14. Enter 50 as the uniform temperature. Click OK.

Step 5: Show the applied loads to verify

1. Choose Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Symbols. The Symbols dialog box appears.
2. Select "Convect FilmCoef" in the "Surface Load Symbols" drop down selection box.
3. Select "Arrows" in the "Show pres and convect as" drop down selection box.
4. Click OK.
5. Choose Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering. The Plot Numbering Controls dialog box appears.
6. Click Table Names on. Click OK. The table name CNVTAB appears on the arrows on the right side of the
Graphics window.
7. Click on SAVE_DB on the ANSYS Toolbar.

Step 6: Set Analysis Options and Solve

1. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Analysis Type> New Analysis. The New Analysis dialog box appears.
2. Verify that “Steady-State” is selected and click OK.
3. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Time/Frequenc> Time and Substps. The Time and
Substep Options dialog box appears.
4. Enter 60 as "Time at end of load step."
5. Enter 1 as “Number of substeps.”
6. Choose Stepped. Click OK.

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7. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Output Ctrls> DB/Results File. The Controls for
Database and Results File Writing dialog appears. Verify that the "Item to be controlled" field shows "All
items."
8. Select "Every substep" for "File write frequency" field. Click OK.
9. Choose Main Menu> Solution> Solve> Current LS. Review the /STATUS Command dialog box. If OK,
click Close.
10. In the Solve Current Load Step dialog box, click OK to begin the solve. When the solution is done, click
Close in the "Solution is done!" information box.

Step 7: Postprocess
1. Choose Main Menu> General Postproc> Read Results> Last Set.
2. Choose Utility Menu> List> Loads> Surface Loads> On All Nodes. The SFLIST Command dialog box
appears. Review the results and click Close.
3. Choose Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering. The Plot Numbering Controls dialog box appears.
4. Click Table Names display off.
5. Click Numeric contour values on. Click OK.
6. Choose Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Symbols. The Symbols dialog box appears.
7. In the "Surface Load Symbols" drop down selection box, select "Convect FilmCoef."
8. In the "Show pres and convect as" drop down selection box, select "Arrows." Click OK.
9. Choose Utility Menu> Plot> Elements. Observe the numbers over the arrows on the model.
10. Choose Main Menu> General Postproc> Plot Results> Contour Plot> Nodal Solu. The Contour
Nodal Solution Data dialog box appears.
11. Verify that DOF Solution is selected in the list on the left, and Temperature is selected in the list on the
right. Click OK. Observe the resulting display.

Step 8: Finish
1. You are now finished with this sample problem. Click QUIT in the ANSYS Toolbar. Choose a save option
and click OK.

2.10. Where to Find Other Examples of Thermal Analysis

Several ANSYS publications, particularly the ANSYS Verification Manual and the Heat Transfer Training Manual,
describe additional examples of steady-state and other types of thermal analyses.

Attending the Heat Transfer seminar may benefit you if your work includes analyzing the thermal response of
structures and components such as internal combustion engines, pressure vessels, heat exchangers and furnaces,
etc. For more information about this seminar, contact your local ANSYS Support Distributor or telephone the
ANSYS Training Registrar at (724) 514-2882.

The ANSYS Verification Manual consists of test cases demonstrating the analysis capabilities of the ANSYS program.
While these test cases demonstrate solutions to realistic thermal analysis problems, the ANSYS Verification
Manual does not present them as step-by-step examples with lengthy data input instructions and printouts.
However, you should be able to understand each problem by reviewing the finite element model and input data
with accompanying comments.

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 Section 2.10: Where to Find Other Examples of Thermal Analysis

Here is a list of sample thermal test cases (steady-state, transient, and so on) that the ANSYS Verification Manual
includes:

VM3 - Thermal Loaded Support Structure

VM23 - Thermal-structural Contact of Two Bodies
VM27 - Thermal Expansion to Close a Gap
VM32 - Thermal Stresses in a Long Cylinder
VM58 - Centerline Temperature of a Heat Generating Wire
VM64 - Thermal Expansion to Close a Gap at a Rigid Surface
VM92 - Insulated Wall Temperature
VM93 - Temperature-dependent Conductivity
VM94 - Heat-generating Plate
VM95 - Heat Transfer From a Cooling Spine
VM96 - Temperature Distribution in a Short Solid Cylinder
VM97 - Temperature Distribution Along a Straight Fin
VM98 - Temperature Distribution Along a Tapered Fin
VM99 - Temperature Distribution in a Trapezoidal Fin
VM100 - Heat Conductivity Across a Chimney Section
VM101 - Temperature Distribution in a Short Solid Cylinder
VM102 - Cylinder with Temperature Dependent Conductivity
VM103 - Thin Plate with a Central Heat Source
VM104 - Liquid-solid Phase Change
VM105 - Heat-generation Coil with Temperature Dependent Conductivity
VM106 - Radiant Energy Emission
VM107 - Thermocouple Radiation
VM108 - Temperature Gradient Across a Solid Cylinder
VM109 - Temperature Response of a Suddenly-cooled Wire
VM110 - Transient Temperature Distribution in a Slab
VM111 - Cooling of a Spherical Body
VM112 - Cooling of a Spherical Body
VM113 - Transient Temperature Distribution in an Orthotropic Metal Bar
VM114 - Temperature Response to a Linearly Rising Surface Temperature
VM115 - Thermal Response of a Heat-generating Slab
VM116 - Heat-conducting Plate with Sudden Cooling
VM118 - Centerline Temperature of a Heat Generating Wire
VM119 - Centerline Temperature of an Electrical Wire
VM121 - Laminar Flow through a Pipe with Uniform Heat Flux
VM122 - Pressure Drop in a Turbulent Flowing Fluid
VM123 - Laminar Flow in a Piping System
VM124 - Discharge of Water from a Reservoir
VM125 - Radiation Heat Transfer Between Concentric Cylinders
VM126 - Heat Transferred to a Flowing Fluid
VM147 - Gray-body Radiation Within a Frustrum of a Cone
VM159 - Temperature Controlled Heater
VM160 - Solid Cylinder with Harmonic Temperature Load
VM161 - Heat Flow from an Insulated Pipe
VM162 - Cooling of a Circular Fin of Rectangular Profile
VM164 - Drying of a Thick Wooden Slab
VM192 - Cooling of a Billet by Radiation
VM193 - Adaptive Analysis of 2-D Heat Transfer with Convection

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