A New Method for 3D Thermal Modeling With Coratherm

In order to build spacecraft thermal models and to compute temperatures, Alcatel Cannes uses a complete and coherent software chain: CORATHERM. Based on a nodal approach and dedicated to space applications this “in-house” software allows to process both radiative and conductive problems on the basis of original methods. As regards with the heat conduction an automated modeling is possible for panels with units. However the rest of the model is performed using less reliable means such hand-made calculations or spreadsheet. Here we present the development of a module for the modeling of 3D heat conduction in any kind of structure.

This development has been decided after an assessment of industrial and technical requirements which pointed out that for observation programs, a major part of the time spent for thermal analysis was dedicated to non-automated conductive modeling.

A development is now in progress to allow automated local thermal Finite Element (FE) or Finite Difference (FD) computations on 3D models such as a mirror structure or mechanism. Moreover this new tool allow an integration of the 3D model into a more global nodal network for satellite level analysis. Such an integration process is based on the capability of condensing models offered by the new software chain at different level of the modeling.