Learning Forum

[JerryM]

Can ANSYS model and compare current induced heating to forced convection heating? Or, model by net, maximum current density for a PWB?

[Nikhil Tamhankar]

Hi ANSYS Icepak has the capability to model Joule heating due to passage of an electric current through the defined metal conductors for e.g. bus bar. This can be a part of a forced or natural convection setup as well, such that Icepak will solve the electric potential as well as the flow and energy equations simultaneously. For a PWB, the Siwave - Icepak workflow is the most accurate one where you get the current and power density detailed maps on the traces and vias solved from Siwave mapped into Icepak for the thermal solve.