Skip to content
SHD Sim
Menu

SHD Sim EM

Electro-thermal

Joule heating coupled internally

Elmer

In development.

This module is phase 3 — after structural and thermal. The solver behind it is chosen and its capability is known. SHD Sim is available today.

What it is

The electrical and thermal problems solved together, because they couple both ways: current heats the material, and the resulting temperature changes its conductivity. Solving them in sequence misses the feedback, which is precisely the mechanism behind thermal runaway.

What this analysis needs from you

  • Temperature-dependent electrical conductivity
  • Both electrical and thermal boundary conditions
  • A coupled solve, which Elmer does internally rather than by iteration between tools

Typical uses

  • Connector and terminal derating
  • Fuse and PTC device behaviour
  • Semiconductor package thermal design
  • Anything where resistance rising with temperature could run away

Industries

Sectors where this analysis is routinely asked for.

  • Power electronics
  • Connectors & terminals
  • Fuses & protection
  • Battery interconnects

What comes out

  • Coupled temperature and current fields
  • Runaway threshold indication
  • Derating curves basis
  • Hot-spot growth over time

Backend

Elmer

Chosen for this analysis type, with its capability verified against the module plan — not decided later.

Status

Phase 3 — after structural and thermal. Telling us you need this analysis moves it up the order — modules are sequenced by who is waiting for them.