Application of FreeFem++ to heat transfer by conduction in two-

dimensional systems – Master PAIP, MNI (2020/21)

Exercise 1
Starting point is Example 3.4 of the FreeFem++’s manual:

6m

y 1m

x
Thermal diffusivity=2 [m2s-1] (y<0.5m) and 0.2 [m2s-1] (else where)
Tair=25°C
Working steps :

(1) Understand how to get from Eq. 3.2 to the weak integral form of the problem expressed
by
(2) Implement the given Example 3.4 and determine the 2D temperature field at steady state
and the temperature at point (x=3m, y=0.5m) as function of time, as shown in Figure 3.4
(3) Determine the steady-state temperature gradient in y-direction (dT/dy) at y=0., 0.5 and
1m, as function of x. Plot the Finite Element mesh used.
 (4) By neglecting the loss of temperature by convection on the lateral model boundaries,
determine the temperature field. Discuss your results.
(5) Modify the lateral model boundaries (y=0 and y=1m): the temperature is now maintained
at 10°C. Two cases will be studied: (i) initial distribution of thermal diffusivity, (ii)
constant thermal diffusivity (e.g. 2 m2s-1).
(a) Determine the temperature field for both cases. Compare them to that previously
obtained.
(b) At steady-state conduction within the plate having a constant thermal diffusivity,
compare the numerically calculated temperature field to an appropriate analytical
solution (e.g, Fourier (1822)).

Exercise 2
Consider a thin, infinitely long rectangular plate. Determine the energy transferred from heating
elements (having a diameter of D=0.3m, T=400 K) imbedded in the large heating plate with
isothermal surfaces at T=310 K. The physical properties of the plate are given as follows: thermal
conductivity k = 0.5 Wm-1/K-1, specific heat capacity cp=920 Jkg-1K-1, volumetric mass = 2400
kgm-3. Note: For a thin plate dT/dz is negligible, and the temperature is a function of x and y only.
Initially (at t=0), the plate is at constant temperature (T=310 K).

T=310 K
0.9 m D=0.3 m
1.8 m
y
1.2 m T=400 K
x T=310 K
(1) Choose the model domain by taking advantage of the given symmetry of the heat
conduction problem.
(2) Determine the time necessary (tstat) to achieve steady-state conditions of heat transfer from
the heating elements to the plate surfaces.
(3) Determine the energy transferred by steady-state conduction.
(4) Determine the temperature field for the plate at times t=0.01 tstat , t=0.33 tstat and t= tstat.
(5) Study the influence of the mesh grid used on the numerical results.

Your results and discussion should be concisely summarized in a short work note of 5 to 10
typewritten pages. Deadline: Tuesday 29th December 2020 to be sent by e-mail at
schafer@unistra.fr.