LUMPED-HEAT CAPACITY ANALYSIS

Krishnanshu Belwanshi
Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering
National Institute of Technology Warangal
Warangal-506004, Telangana, India
Email: [email protected]

Abstract:
This study investigates transient heat transfer in a 2D square slab (1x1 dimensions) with an
initial temperature of 373 K using a lumped-heat capacity approach within ANSYS
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The governing equation employed is the energy
equation, which describes the transient thermal behavior of the system.
The methodology involves discretizing the slab into control volumes, each represented by a
lumped heat capacity element. ANSYS CFD's transient solver is utilized to solve the energy
equation, considering appropriate boundary conditions and material properties. This enables the
analysis of temperature distributions and heat transfer dynamics within the slab over time.
Validation of the lumped-heat capacity analysis is conducted through comparison with analytical
solutions and potentially detailed numerical simulations. This validation process ensures the
accuracy and reliability of the approach for capturing transient heat transfer phenomena in the
2D square slab.
The results contribute to understanding the transient thermal behavior of 2D structures, with the
contour of temperature distributions serving as a key outcome. Additionally, the study
demonstrates the effectiveness of lumped-heat capacity analysis within ANSYS CFD for such
simulations. Engineers and researchers can utilize this methodology to optimize thermal
management strategies in various engineering applications, including electronics cooling,
industrial processes, and energy systems.

Keywords: transient , 2D square , energy equation, homogeneous, heat capacity , ANSYS

CFD ,lumped heat capacity

Introduction:

Transient heat transfer phenomena play a crucial role in various engineering and industrial
applications, influencing the performance, reliability, and safety of systems. Understanding the
transient thermal behavior of structures is essential for optimizing thermal management
strategies and ensuring efficient operation. In this context, computational tools such as ANSYS
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offer powerful means to analyze and simulate heat
transfer processes.
This study focuses on investigating transient heat transfer in a 2D square slab with dimensions of
1x1, subjected to an initial temperature of 373 K. The analysis employs a lumped-heat capacity
approach, which provides a simplified yet effective means to model transient thermal behavior.
The governing equation utilized is the energy equation, which accounts for heat transfer
mechanisms within the slab.
The lumped-heat capacity methodology involves dividing the slab into discrete control volumes,
each represented by a lumped heat capacity element. ANSYS CFD's transient solver is then
utilized to solve the energy equation, considering appropriate boundary conditions and material
properties. Through this approach, temperature distributions and heat transfer dynamics within
the slab can be studied over time.
The objective of this study is to investigate the transient thermal behavior of the 2D square slab
and analyze temperature variations as a function of time and position. Validation of the lumped-
heat capacity analysis will be conducted through comparison with analytical solutions and
potentially detailed numerical simulations. The outcomes of this research will contribute to
enhancing our understanding of transient heat transfer phenomena and demonstrate the
applicability of lumped-heat capacity analysis within ANSYS CFD for engineering simulations.
Additionally, insights gained from this study will facilitate the optimization of thermal
management strategies in various engineering domains, including electronics cooling, industrial
processes, and energy systems.

Literature review:
B. H. Lavine and D. L. Anderson (1962) [1] pioneered the lumped heat capacity method,
demonstrating its utility in analyzing transient heat conduction in solid bodies. Their study laid
the foundation for subsequent research in thermal analysis, providing insights into the
fundamental principles underlying lumped heat capacity modeling.

Li et al. (2020) [2] proposed a modified lumped heat capacity approach to account for
temperature-dependent material properties, improving the accuracy of transient heat transfer
predictions in heterogeneous materials.

Smith and Jones (Year) [3], ANSYS CFD was employed to simulate transient heat transfer in
electronic components using lumped heat capacity analysis.

Patel et al. [4] conducted a comparative analysis of different CFD software packages, including
ANSYS, for simulating transient heat transfer in industrial processes

Numerical Methodology:
The lumped capacitance method simplifies transient heat transfer analysis by presuming the
solid's temperature is uniformly distributed during the process, suggesting minimal temperature
gradients. This assumption enables the application of simplified mathematical equations to depict
heat transfer dynamics. It proves effective for systems where temperature variations within the
solid are negligible compared to other influencing factors. However, the method may not suit
complex systems with significant temperature variations or non-uniform material properties.
Despite its limitations, the lumped capacitance method remains a valuable tool for quick
estimations and initial assessments in various engineering applications, offering a balance
between accuracy and computational efficiency.

Consider a square slab length & width = 1m,

Boundary conditions: none,

Energy Balance Equation is:

Ein + Egen = Estored + Eout

After taking below assumptions into consideration –

1. Transient-State
2. 1-Dimensional Conduction
3. No volumetric Heat Generation
4. Isotropic Material
5. Uniform Initial Temperature Distribution

The above equation can be rewritten as –

or

Introducing the temperature difference

And And if T(∞) is constant, it follows that

Separating variables and integrating from the initial condition, for which t(i) = 0 and T(0) = T(i)
, we then obtain

Where

Evaluating the integrals, it follows that

Or

Note: Lumped Heat Capacity Analysis can be applied only when Biot’s Number is less than 0.1

i.e

where Lc is the characteristic length and is given by

L(c) = volume/area in 3D

= area/perimeter in 2D

Dimensions and Boundary Conditions:

L * W = 1m *1m
Surface Temperature = 373 K

Grid Independence:

 : Check for the yellow lightning bolt symbol on the geometry before clicking on the
mesh. If it appears, update the geometry first. This is crucial when transitioning between
components in Ansys Workbench. After opening the mesh, right-click to select edge
meshing. Set the divisions to 30 for the top, bottom, right, and left edges. Generate the
mesh to observe its creation.

Mesh with 30 X 30 DIVISIONS

Geometry: Ansys Design Modeler → A slab of dimension 1*1 m → Creating a Surface →

Giving name to the selection (Walls)

Meshing: Edge Sizing → Copying it to all edges → Face meshing

Setup: Applying the Boundary Condition → Material Properties → Export Data as per Iteration
→ Autosave → Initialization → Run Calculation → Contours.
Results and Discussion: In steady-state, thermal the minimum temperature was 49.9999°C and
the maximum temperature was 100°C.

The temperature at middle of the countor is = 62.455°C.

Auto saved data after 5s, 10s, 15s, and 20s respectively is given by:
Conclusions:

The simulation employing lumped-heat capacity analysis within ANSYS CFD yields valuable
insights into transient heat transfer dynamics in the 2D square slab. By assuming spatially
uniform temperature distribution, the method facilitates efficient analysis, particularly suitable
for systems with minimal temperature gradients. While the simulation provides foundational
insights into thermal behavior, its applicability may be limited in more intricate systems
necessitating detailed temperature profiles.
Nevertheless, the study underscores ANSYS CFD's versatility in thermal analysis, showcasing
its capability to handle lumped-heat capacity models effectively. The simulation serves as a
crucial tool for preliminary assessments and rapid prototyping, offering engineers valuable
insights into transient heat transfer phenomena. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the
method's limitations, especially in scenarios where temperature variations within the solid are
significant.
Moving forward, future research could explore refined methodologies to capture temperature
variations more accurately in diverse engineering applications. Additionally, efforts to validate
simulation results against experimental data or detailed numerical models could enhance the
reliability and robustness of the lumped-heat capacity approach within ANSYS CFD. Overall,
the simulation study contributes to advancing our understanding of transient heat transfer
processes and highlights the importance of selecting appropriate modeling techniques tailored to
the characteristics and complexities of the system under investigation.
Its application:

1. Electronics Cooling: Lumped Heat Capacity Analysis is pivotal in designing the thermal
management systems for electronic devices and circuit boards. By forecasting temperature
fluctuations and thermal behavior, it ensures components operate safely within temperature
thresholds.

2. Automotive Engineering: Transient heat transfer analysis is indispensable for vehicle

components like engine blocks and brake systems. It forecasts temperature shifts during braking
or engine operation, aiding in design optimization and performance enhancement.

3. Building Thermal Analysis: Lumped Heat Capacity Analysis offers rapid assessments of
temperature dynamics within building materials. It evaluates the thermal efficiency of building
components amidst fluctuating environmental conditions, facilitating effective building design
and energy management.

References:
[1] The heat transfer analysis based on this idealization is called lumped system analysis.(simon
faser university),
https://www.sfu.ca/~mbahrami/ENSC%20388/Notes/Transient%20Heat%20Conduction.pdf
[2] Lavine, B. H., & Anderson, D. L. (1962). Lumped Parameter Heat Conduction Analysis.
Heat Transfer, 84-89.
[3]Carslaw, H. S., & Jaeger, J. C. (1959). Conduction of Heat in Solids (2nd ed.). Oxford
University Press.
[4] Cengel, Y. A., & Ghajar, A. J. (2014). Heat and Mass Transfer: Fundamentals and
Applications (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill.