Maintaining Accuracy in Thermal Models

How accurate are your thermal models? Few thermal analysts have the time and budget to test the convergence of their thermal models (e.g., SINDA models) as a function of mesh size. This paper presents guidelines for selecting mesh sizes and other simulation parameters to ensure accurate simulations.

We considered the following aspects of thermal models: mesh size as determined by combined conduction, convection and radiation; perferred mesh geometries; treatment of boundaries and boundary conditions; and required time steps.