SHD Sim Thermal
Solidification / melting
Casting, PCM
OpenFOAM or 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
Phase change with latent heat, which dominates the energy balance: a material releases far more energy solidifying at constant temperature than cooling through the same interval. The moving front is the answer, and a wrong latent heat makes the timing wrong regardless of everything else.
What this analysis needs from you
- Latent heat and the solidus and liquidus temperatures
- A time-dependent run, since this is never a steady problem
- Property data on both sides of the phase change
Typical uses
- Casting: whether the mould fills before it freezes
- Phase-change thermal storage
- Welding pool behaviour
- Freeze protection in process pipework
Industries
Sectors where this analysis is routinely asked for.
- Casting & foundry
- Additive manufacturing
- Phase-change storage
- Food freezing
What comes out
- Solidification front over time
- Last-to-freeze regions
- Shrinkage risk locations
- Cycle time estimates
Backend
OpenFOAM or 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.