SHD Sim Thermal
Radiation (enclosure)
View factors; OpenFOAM has viewFactor for fluid cases
Elmer
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
Surfaces exchanging heat by radiation across a cavity, which needs view factors between every pair of faces that can see each other. It scales badly with surface count and it dominates above a few hundred degrees, where radiation overtakes convection entirely.
What this analysis needs from you
- Surface emissivity, which varies with finish and ageing more than most people expect
- A closed enclosure definition for view factors
- Patience: view factor calculation is the expensive step
Typical uses
- Furnace and kiln interiors
- Spacecraft thermal design, where there is no convection at all
- High-temperature process equipment
- Enclosures where hot and cold surfaces face one another
Industries
Sectors where this analysis is routinely asked for.
- Furnaces & kilns
- Space & satellites
- Glass & metals processing
- Solar thermal
What comes out
- Radiative exchange between surfaces
- View factor effects
- Surface temperatures at high heat
- Shielding effectiveness
Backend
Elmer
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.