Home / Examples / Thermal Analysis [Watt] / Example 11: Blocks Set with Discontinuous Boundary

Example 11: Blocks Set with Discontinuous Boundary

General

• The [Discontinuous] boundary condition is studied in this example. The model consists of two blocks in contact with each other.
   

• The boundary between the contacting bodies is typically a continuous boundary. Thermal conduction will make a continuous temperature distribution.
  When applying the discontinuous boundary condition, thermal conduction is not taken into account, leading to discontinuous temperature distribution.
   

• The temperature distribution and the heat flux vectors are solved.
   

• Unless specified in the list below, the default conditions will be applied.
   

• Obtain this session's project file. (Right-click and choose 'Save link as')




• Results will vary depending on Femtet version and the PC environment.

 

Analysis Space

Item	Settings
Analysis Space	3D
Model Unit	mm

 

Analysis Conditions

Item	Settings
Solver	Thermal Analysis [Watt]
Analysis Type	Steady-state Analysis
Options	N/A

Model

Two rectangular solid bodies are in contact with each other. The [Discontinuous] boundary condition is set at the contact face.

The material is polyethylene. The top and bottom faces are set with the "temperature" boundary condition.

Body Attributes and Materials

Body Number/Type	Body Attribute Name	Material Name
0/Solid	V1	000_Polyethylene(PE) *
1/Solid	V1	000_Polyethylene(PE) *

* Available from the material DB

Boundary Conditions

Boundary Condition Name/Topology	Tab	Boundary Condition Type	Settings
0degree/Face	Thermal	Temperature	0 [deg]
50degree/Face	Thermal	Temperature	50 [deg]
85degree/Face	Thermal	Temperature	85 [deg]
NONCONT	Symmetry/Continuity	Discontinuous	Discontinuous

 

Results

The temperature distribution is shown below.

The right body has a uniform temperature of 50 [deg] throughout its entire body, while the left body exhibits a temperature distribution.

There is no heat transfer between the bodies.

 

For comparison, the [Continuous] boundary condition is set at the contact face. The result is shown below.

The condition allows heat transfer between the two bodies, resulting in continuous temperature distributions.