Learning Forum

[kuumbara]

Hi all, For context, I have a furnace model with 8 layers of very thin shielding (0.05mm) that encapsulate the heating element. I created those shielding using Create>Thin/Surface in DesignModeler. Then, I meshed everything, and the result was bad quality meshes only on the shieldings part. (tag #1) Then, I asked on this form of how to increase quality mesh of a thin body (https://innovationspace.ansys.com/forum/forums/topic/increasing-the-quality-of-a-thin-surface/), I was suggested to use "Midsurface". (tag#2) It is very good actually. But, when I transfer it (#2) to Fluent system, I got this error message: I got two question:

1. How to solve the error "surface meshes cannot be read under...."?
2. If I decided to not fix the mesh quality, stick to the #1 option; transfer the bad meshed model to the fluent system, and once in Fluent, I can activate the Shell Conduction model to simulate thermal behavior across these thin layers, is my option acceptable?

Thank you so much

[peteroznewman]

Please describe the results you want and the boundary conditions on the model.  It’s not clear why you need Fluent. The Structural solver can solve for unknown temperatures using heat transfer boundary conditions such as known temperatures, conduction, convective heat transfer and radiation heat transfer.

 

[kuumbara]

To clarify, I’m simulating a vacuum furnace that contains heating elements, shielding layers, and a sample tube, surrounded by a water-cooling system. My goal is to analyse temperature distribution inside the furnace. I choose Fluent because I currently learn it at Uni.

[peteroznewman]

You should post in the Fluids channel. Very few readers of the General Mechanical channel know Fluent.

[kuumbara]

Ah my bad, I just changed it from Mechanical forum to Fluids. Thank you!

[Rob]

Thanks Peter. Equally, not many of the Fluids staff know much about Mechanical beyond a vague understanding that if you apply enough force anything will bend. 

Have a look at shell conduction in Fluent. For heat transfer we can model the solids as a solid, but there are alternatives.