Learning Forum

[Edwin1211]

Hi, I need to simulate the heating process of an air stream flowing inside a metallic pipe. The pipe is subject to a voltage potential, making electricity flow across the metal, releasing heat by the joule effect. The heat released is absorbed by the air stream, increasing its temperature. Please find attached a representation of the process

I am able to run the simulation in Fluent specifying a heat flow on the pipe wall or a wall temperature. However, I do not know how to specify a flow of electricity across the metal in Fluent.

Could you please help me with this? :)

Thank you.

[cfd_learner]

you can do this with thermal-electric module of workbench. Apply current or voltage at electric in/out.

[Edwin1211]

Hi cfd_learner. Thanks for your answer.
In the thermal-electric module, I can apply the current to the pipe, but I don't know how to define there the Airflow.

[Konstantin]

Hello Edwin You can model the effect of Joule heating using the electric potential model in Fluent. For more details, please refer to Sec. 30.1. Using the Electric Potential Model of Fluent's user Guide and Sec. 23.1. Electric Potential of Fluent's Theory Guide