Learning Forum

[ekain.goikoetxea]

I am performing a Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) simulation of a braking system, in which the heat generated by friction is removed through an oil cooling circuit. I know the total power dissipated during a braking event; however, the challenge is that this power must be applied at the interface between the brake pad and a steel component that contains the cooling channels.

I understand that it is not possible to directly apply a heat flux on a coupled wall. At the same time, I would prefer not to introduce an artificial intermediate body with a volumetric heat generation rate, since such a body does not exist in the actual physical system.

My objective is to determine how the generated heat is distributed between the two solid domains. Is there any method or recommended approach that would allow me to model this situation while preserving a realistic representation of the physical system?

If I thermally decouple the interface and apply the same heat flux on both sides, would I not be overestimating the actual braking power? 

[Rob]

Have a look at the coupled wall, then look at making it have a thickness and heat generation rate. If you have an interface that option may not exist.