SHD Sim Thermal
Natural convection
Buoyancy-driven, Boussinesq or fully compressible
OpenFOAM
In development.
This module is phase 2–3 — largely arrives with structural. The solver behind it is chosen and its capability is known. SHD Sim is available today.
What it is
Flow driven by density differences the heat itself creates, with no fan or pump anywhere. Below roughly a thirty-kelvin rise the Boussinesq approximation holds; past that the density variation is too large to approximate and the compressible formulation is the honest choice.
What this analysis needs from you
- A thermal expansion coefficient and a reference temperature
- Gravity, pointed the right way, since it is the driving force
- A long run: buoyant flows settle slowly and sometimes never fully settle
Typical uses
- Passively cooled enclosures
- Room air movement and comfort
- Tank and vessel stratification
- Cabinets where the fan has failed and you need the worst case
Industries
Sectors where this analysis is routinely asked for.
- Passive electronics
- Building services
- Transformers & switchgear
- Solar thermal
What comes out
- Buoyant flow patterns
- Surface temperatures without fans
- Stratification in enclosures
- Passive-cooling adequacy
Backend
OpenFOAM
Chosen for this analysis type, with its capability verified against the module plan — not decided later.
Status
Phase 2–3 — largely arrives with structural. Telling us you need this analysis moves it up the order — modules are sequenced by who is waiting for them.