Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Analysis in Quasi-Steady State — Lesson 2

This lesson covers the application of the finite element method in heat transfer and fluid flow analysis, particularly in welding processes. It delves into the discretization of governing equations in both spatial and time domains, the use of weighted residue techniques, and the alpha method of time discretization. The lesson also discusses the formation of matrices and their use in solving equations. It further explains the concept of quasi-steady state analysis, which simplifies the problem by assuming the solution is independent of time. The lesson also touches on the importance of renumbering and reordering nodes and elements in the finite element method, and the use of different solvers. An illustrative example is given on how to predict temperature distribution and velocity fields in welding processes.

Video Highlights

01:09 - Application of discretization in conduction-based heat transfer models and transport phenomena
09:22 - Use of Gauss integration methods in evaluating penalty terms and remaining viscous and convective terms
31:37 - Implementation of finite element method in heat transfer and fluid flow analysis
43:35 - Use of frontal solver in solving equations in finite element-based problems
52:28 - Effect of surface active elements in GTAW process and the prediction of metal flow behavior

Key Takeaways

- Discretization of governing equations in both spatial and time domains is crucial in heat transfer and fluid flow analysis.
- The alpha method of time discretization is commonly used in tangent problems.
- Quasi-steady state analysis simplifies the problem by assuming the solution is independent of time.
- Renumbering and reordering nodes and elements in the finite element method can optimize computational time.
- Different solvers can be used to solve equations, depending on the nature of the problem and the computational time required.
- The finite element method can be used to predict temperature distribution and velocity fields in welding processes.