Introduction of the Finite Element Method into the Thermal Synthesizer System

A new way to break down geometric objects into nodes and conductors for thermal analysis was added to TSS. The resulting network is compatible with finite element methods in that it is a system of nodes and elements. The finite elements that were used for modelling each TSS surface and solid are described. Verification of the finite element calculations of conductances between nodes is provided by comparisons to Nastran calculated conductances. More validation is provided by comparisons of temperature distributions between equivalent finite difference and finite element models. User responsibilities for mesh generation for finite element models are also discussed. The finite element capability will provide a better method of modelling certain kinds of geometries and simplify model exchange with structural analysts.