In special cases it is necessary to perform a three dimensional thermal simulation. HTflux is purely two-dimensional as it was optimized for fast and efficient thermal bridge calculation. Although based on the same physics, three dimensional simulations involve a disproportionate effort compared to 2d-simulations. Especially the creation of the model as well as the finite element meshing are time consuming and require a certain level of skill. The time to perform a 3d-simulation is usually increased by a factor of 10 or more, compared to a 2d-simulation having the same number of details. Therefore we recommend that if you do need a three dimensional simulation you should contact us. With our experience combined with the use of modern academic simulation software we are able to perform 3d-thermal simulation efficiently and accurately. We can therefore offer you this service at a very competitive price level.
Just like 2d simulations performed with HTflux, 3d finite element thermal simulations offer you a lot of insights regarding potential optimizations and enable you to calculate design values, such as:
- point transmittance value (χ-value, “chi”-value)
- minimum surface temperatures
- distribution of temperature
- distribution of heat flux
Below find an exemplary 3d simulation of a steel roof anchor mounted on a flat concrete roof, penetrating the insulation layer:
3d simulation model – steel roof anchor on a flat concrete roof with thermal insulation
Optimized 3d finite element mesh
Temperature distribution (iso-surfaces) in the area of the point thermal bridge
semi-transparent 3d view of the heat-flux
FEM-Simulation temperature view external side (thermal bridging)
FEM-Simulation temperature view internal side (thermal bridging)
Another simple example of a comparative study recently done:
