One‐Dimensional Heat Transfer 

Problem Statement: 

  A wall typical of one you might find in a home is constructed of four layers, as shown below. The 
temperature and convection heat transfer coefficient on the outside wall are T = 200F (‐70C)   and h
25 . The corresponding values on the inside wall are T = 700F (210C)   and h 15  . Assume the 
2
cross sectional area of the wall is 1m . Determine 

a. The temperatures at the surfaces and between the layers  
b. The Heat flux through the wall 

  

 
 
 

 
 

.
.

.
.

 
0.094

0.046
0.12

0.25
 
Area = 1 m2 

Plywood Sheathing    

 
Sliding                          

Insulation                  

Gypsum Board         
T = 200F or ‐70C    T = 700F or 210C  
 
  25     15  
 
   
 

 
0.012 m  0.012 m  0.0889 m  0.012 m 
   

 
ANSYS Procedure 

1. Preprocessor > Element type > Add/Edit/Delete > (Add) > (Link) > (2D Conduction 32) > Apply 
                                                                                                                      (Convection 34) > OK 
2. Preprocessor > Real constants > Add/Edit/Delete > (Add) > link 32 > OK > Enter Area = 1 > OK  
                                                                                            (Add) > link 34 > OK > Enter Area = 1 > OK 
3. Preprocessor > Material properties > Material models > Thermal >  
Convection or film coefficient > HF = 25  
Material > New model > Define material ID = 2 > OK 
Thermal > Conductivity > Isotropic > KXX = 0.094  
Material > New model > Define material ID = 3 > OK 
Thermal > Conductivity > Isotropic > KXX = 0.12 
Material > New model > Define material ID = 4 > OK 
Thermal > Conductivity > Isotropic > KXX = 0.046 
Material > New model > Define material ID = 5 > OK 
Thermal > Conductivity > Isotropic > KXX = 0.25 
Material > New model > Define material ID = 5 > OK 
Thermal > Convection or film coefficient > HF = 15 
4. Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Nodes > In active CS  
 
Node  X coordinate 
1  ‐0.1 (arbitrary value) 
2  0 
3  0.012 
4  0.024 
5  0.113 
6  0.125 
7  0.225 (arbitrary distance from node 6) 
     
5. Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Elements > Element attributes >  
Select Element type number = 2, Material number = 1, Real constant set = 2 > OK 
6. Preprocessor > Modeling > create > Elements > Auto numbered > Thru nodes (Click on nodes 1 
and 2 to create the convection element on the left side) 
7. Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Elements > Element attributes >  
Select Element type number = 1, Material number = 2, Real constant set = 1 > OK 
8. Preprocessor > Modeling > create > Elements > Auto numbered > Thru nodes (Click on nodes 2 
and 3 to create the first conduction element) 
9. Repeat  the steps 7 and 8 to create the remaining three conduction elements changing material 
numbers  to  3,4  and  5  respectively  while  defining  the  element  attributes  and  selecting  the 
appropriate nodes while creating the elements through nodes 
10. Repeat  the  steps  5  and  6  to  create  the  final  convection  element  on  the  right,  change  the 
material  number  to  6  while  defining  the  element  attributes  and  select  the  nodes  6  and  7  to 
create the element 
 
 
  
 
Applying loads: 
11. Solution  >  Define  loads  >  Apply  >  Thermal  >  Temperature  >  On  nodes  >  Select  node  1  >  OK  > 
Temp = ‐7 > Apply > Select node 7 > OK > Temp = 21 > OK 
 

 
 
12. Solution > Solve > Current LS 
 
Post processing: 
13. General Post proc > Element table > 
Define table > Add > Lab = Temp I > 
By sequence num > SMISC  (Enter ,1) 
> OK (For temperatures at node I) 
 
14. General Post proc > Element table > 
Define table > Add > Lab = Temp J > 
By sequence num > SMISC  (Enter ,J) 
> OK (For temperatures at node J) 
 
15. General Post proc > Element table > 
Define table > Add > Lab = Heat flux 
>  By  sequence  num  >  SMISC    (Enter 
,4) > OK (For Heat flux) 
 
16. General Post proc > Element table > 
List elem table > Select TEMPI,TEMPJ   
and HEAT FLUX > OK 
 
The results above provide the results of interest for this problem. Notice that temperatures increase 
from ‐7oC on the outside to 21oC on the inside surface, as expected. The heat flux through each element 
is the same; this must be the case for the steady state case.  
General Post proc > Plot Results > Contour Plot > Nodal Solu > Nodal Solution > DOF Solution > Nodal   
Temperature > OK 

   
Summary of results: 
 
a. Temperature at interfaces 
Position  Temperature (OC) 
Air (Left end)  ‐7 
Air – Sliding  ‐6.5166 
Sliding – Plywood  ‐4.974 
Plywood – Insulation  ‐3.7656 
Insulation – Gypsum  19.614 
Gypsum – Air  20.194 
Air  (Right end)  21 
 
b. Heat flux through all of the layers is ‐12.084   

This tutorial was developed by David Hall and Sai Ravi Kanth Tummala © 2008    
 Example 2. Thermal Analysis of a Slab
In order to demonstrate the 2D thermal problems solution using ANSYS, presents the following example. The objective
of this problem is the solution of temperature field in a slab consisting of two distinct parts, with a hole in one of these
parties. The geometry and boundary conditions related to the problem are shown in Fig 1.

Figure 1 - Geometry and Boundary Conditions of the slab.

Start by giving a title to the example. In the bar "Utility Menu" select "File" menu and submenu "Change Title". The title
you put on the window graphics when the graphics are generated. Once done, select "OK".

I. Preprocessing: Defining the Problem.

I.1. Definition of Geometry

• Start by selecting pre-processing "Preprocessor" from the main menu ANSYS.

• From the menu "Preprocessor", select "Create" under "-Modeling-'.
• Then, select "Rectangle" under "-Area-".
• From the "Rectangle", select "By Dimensions".
• In the window that appears enter the values of (X1 = 0, Y1 = 0) and (X2 = 0.05, Y2 = 0.05), referring to the lower left
and upper right corner of the first rectangle, respectively.
• Click "Apply" in order that ANSYS accept what you typed.
Enter • making a second area (X1 = 0.05, Y1 = 0) and (X2 = 0.15, Y2 = 0.05).
• Click "OK".
To better visualize geometric figures created, proceed as follows:
• Select "Utility" / "PlotCtrls" / "Numbering ..." to number the created areas. Click the "Area Numbers", and "On".
• Click "OK" and you should see the graphics window as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Areas created to represent the geometry of the slab.

You will now create a circle in the left corner of the first rectangle:
• Close the "Rectangle" and then select "Circle" under "-Area-".
• From the "Circle", select "By Dimensions ...".
• In the window that appears enter the radius as RAD1 = 0.01.
• Click "OK" and the circle will be created.
• Close the menus "Circle" and "Create".

The next step will move the circle to its position:

• Select "Move / modify" under "-Modeling-'.

• Select "Areas".
• Use the mouse to select a circular area, ie click on it. The selected area will change color indicating that it was selected.
• Click "OK". Then in the window that appears, type DX = DY = 0025 and 0025, which corresponds to the coordinates of
the center of the first rectangular area.
• Click "OK" and then select "Replot" menu under the "Utility" / "Plot".

Now you can subtract the circular area of first rectangular area, to create the circular hole:

• Close the menu "Move / Modify" and select "Operate" under "-Modeling-'.
• From the "Operate", select "Subtract" under "-Booleans-'.
• Select "Areas" in the "Subtract".
• In the "Input" type 1, press ENTER and click "OK" "Subtract Areas." Repeat typing 3 and pressing enter. Your graphics
window should look like in Fig 2.3.
• Close the menu "Subtract".

Figure 3. Geometric Model of the slab.

It is important to note that the two rectangular areas are not created initially bonded to one another. So, sticking them for
ANSYS knows that they are in contact and thus can make a single composite slab:

• Select "Glue" in the "Operate" under "-Booleans-'.

• From the "Glue", select "Areas".
• Click the "Pick all." Close the menus "Glue" and "Operate".

At this point it is important to save all the steps that have been developed. To do this, select "Utility" / "File" / "Save As
Jobname.db."

I.2. Creation of Elements

• Select "Element Type" in the "Preprocessor".

• Select "Add / Edit / Delete ..."
• Click the "Add .." in the "Element Types".
• In the section "Thermal Solid," in the dialog box, select "Quad 4node55."
• Click "OK". You should see 'Type 1 Plane55 "in the" Element Types ".
• Finally click the "Close" the window "Element Types".
The selection will produce triangular and quadrangular elements for thermal analysis.

I.3. Material Properties of the Element

• Select "Material Props" in the "Preprocessor".

• From the "Material Props", select "Isotropic" under "-Constant."
• In the box that appears, type a number to identify the material. As this is the first material that you are specifying is not
necessary to type since the ANSYS has put 1 for identification.
• Click "OK".
• In the window that appears there are many properties that can be specified. However for this analysis you should only
enter the constant value of thermal conductivity, ie, fill in the field:
Thermal Conductivity Kxx = 20
• Click "OK". Repeat the procedure for providing the value of Kxx = 50 for the second material.
• Close the menu "Material Props."

I.4. Size of mesh

This is the last step before you develop the finite element mesh of your model. You will now tell ANSYS which the
maximum size that should be the model elements:
• In the "Preprocessor", select "Shape & Size" under "-Meshing-'.
• From the "Shape & Size", select "Other" under "-Global-".
• In the "Element Size" window "Other Global Sizing Options", you can now enter the desired maximum length of the
element. For example, if you want a maximum length of element EDGMX = 1 cm, you would enter "0:01", that is 0.01
m, and then click "OK".
• Close the menu "Shape & Size."

I.5. Meshes
Now you will allow ANSYS to work out its geometry. However, as we share the geometry consisting of different
materials, you will tell the ANSYS, first, the attributes of each of these parts, namely: Element Type, Material Type, etc

• In the "Preprocessor", select "Attributes" under "-Meshing-'.

• From the "Attributes", select "Picked Areas."
• With the mouse, select a rectangular area with the hole (A1) and press the "OK" in the "Attributes Areas." A new
window will appear and you must type MAT = 1, REAL = 1, TYPE = 1 = 0 and EASY. These fields should already be
filled. Click "OK" in this window.

You must now repeat this procedure with the area 2, however, the values that should be part of the window "Attribute
Area" are: MAT = 2, REAL = 1, TYPE = 1 = 0 and EASY. Then, close the "Attributes".

Finally, ANSYS can now perform the procedure with a mesh size of your model:

• Select "Mesh" under "-Meshing-" in the "Preprocessor".

• From the "Mesh", select "Free" under "-Areas-".
• In the "Mesh Area", press the "Pick All".
• Close the menu "Mesh".

Your Graphics Window should display the mesh shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Finite Element Mesh of the slab.

It is important to note that the two rectangular areas are not created initially bonded to one another. So, sticking them to
the ANSYS know that she is in contact and thus can make a single composite slab:

• Select "Glue" in the "Operate" under "-Booleans-'.

• From the "Glue", select "Areas".
• Click the "Pick all."
• Close the menus "Glue" and "Operate".

Now the area is a rectangular area with the hole area and the other two rectangular area.
At this point it is important to save all the steps that have been developed. To do this, select "Utility" / "File" / "Save As
Jobname.db." His model is saved in a file named "jobname.db" where "jobname" is the name you specified in the
"Launcher".

I.6. Creation of the Elements

• Select "Element Type" in the "Preprocessor".

• Select "Add / Edit / Delete ..."

Remember that this network should consist of elements with different attributes. To understand this difference, you can
follow the following procedure:

• Select "Numbering" menu "Utility" / "PlotContrls."

• Click the "Elem & Attrib numbering" and select "Materials numbers."
• Click "OK". Your screen should display the graphical mesh shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Finite Elements of the slab

I.7. Saving Your Model

Save your model now, since if you make a mistake going forward you do not need to redo all the actions you've done so
far. To do this, select "Utility" / "File" / "Save As Jobname.db."

II. Phase Solution: Apply loads and resolve.

By the time you set your model, it is now time to apply the loads, boundary conditions and solve the resulting system of
equations. Close the menu "Preprocessor" and open the menu "Solution", the same main menu ANSYS.

II.1. Type of Analysis (Analysis Type)

First you must tell ANSYS how you want to solve this problem:

• Select "New Analysis".

• Since our objective is to achieve a steady state analysis, select "Steady-State" (should already be selected).
• Click "OK".

II.2. Apply loads and constraints.

+ Constraints (Constraints)
It is necessary to apply constraints to the model to avoid reaching a singular solution. You will start applying the
boundary conditions of temperature:

• Select "Apply>" under "-Loads-'.

• Start with the restrictions by selecting "Temperature>" under "-Thermal-".
• For this example, select "On Nodes".
• In the "Apply TEMP on Nodes", abilite "Box" and the mouse, draw a box around the left edge of the model, so that the
nodes on this edge are selected.
• Click "Apply" in the "Apply TEMP on Nodes".
• Now in the window that appears, you can enter the value VALUE = 200 and click "OK".
• You will see some yellow triangles in the graphics window, indicating the temperature restrictions.

Repeat this procedure to apply the boundary condition of temperature on the right edge of the slab. Now, you must enter
the value VALUE = 50. When finished close the menu "Temperature".

+ To apply the boundary conditions on the upper edge of the slab proceed as follows:

• Start with the restrictions by selecting "Convection>" under "-Thermal-".

• For this example, select "On Nodes".
• In the "Apply CONV on Nodes", abilite "Box" and the mouse, draw a box around the top edge of the model, so that the
nodes are selected.
• Click "OK" "Apply CONV on Nodes".
• Now in the window that appears, you can enter the value VAL1 VAL2 = 150 and = 25, corresponding to the coefficient
of film and temperature, respectively.
• After entering values, click "OK". Some line segments appear in red in the graphics window, indicating the restrictions.
• Close the menu "Convection>".

At this point you must apply heat flux on the surface of the circular hole. For this purpose, initially, you'll make an
enlargement of the hole in the graphics window, aiming a better view of the drawing.

• Select "Pan, Zoom, Rotate" menu under the "Utility" / "PlotCtrls." • Click on "Zoom Box".
• With the mouse, draw a box around the hole, starting from the upper left corner of the box by clicking the left mouse
button and dragging it until the hole is completely contained in the box. To reset the box click again on the left mouse
button.
• Now your graphics window should show part of your model, as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6. Extension of the model.

• Select "Heat Flux" under "-Thermal-".

• From the "Heat Flux" select "On Nodes".
• In the "Apply HEAT on Nodes", enable "Circle" and the mouse positioned approximately in the center of the hole, draw
a circle around the hole.
• Make sure that only the nodes for the circle are selected and then click "OK" in the "HEAT Applay on Nodes".
• In the window that appears, type VALI = 100 and then click "OK". You should see some red arrows in each of the
selected nodes.
• Close the menu "Heat Flux".
• Do the graphics window to return to its original form by selecting the button "Fit" in the "Pan, Zoom, Rotate" and then
close this window.

Finally, the complete procedure can insert the boundary conditions, since the lower edge of slab surface is an adiabatic
condition and it is assumed that the ANSYS when not specified boundary conditions (default).

Again, you can save your model as a way to ensure the steps that you have accomplished so far.
II.3. Solving the System
Now will you tell ANSYS to find the solution:

• From the "Solution" under "-Solve-', select' Current LS '. This indicates that you want the solution to the current load
step. [Load Step (LS)].
• Click "OK" which will appear in a few seconds. You can close the window that appears in the solution phase.
• Please wait while the ANSYS obtains the solution of your problem. Obtained solution, click the "OK" the window and
close the yellow menu "Solution".

III. Post-Processing: Viewing the Results

You can now view the results obtained by ANSYS. To do this, you should enter the phase of post-processing and select
the desired solution:

• Select "General Postproc" ANSYS Main Menu.

• Read the results by selecting "Last Set" under "-Read Results-'.

Solution Nodal (Nodal Solution)

Plot the nodal solution in the form of a colored graph contoured:

• Select "Plot Results" in the "General Postprocessor."

• Select "Nodal Solution ..."
• Click "OK".
• You should see a figure like the one shown in the graphic window shown in Figure 7.

You can ignore the warning that appears in yellow. Note how the contour lines are perpendicular to the bottom edge of
the slab Compound indicating a temperature gradient of zero, since the heat flow at this surface is zero. Note also the
non-zero gradient of the contour lines on the edges of the circular hole, indicating the presence of heat flow.

Figure 7. Temperature Field for Slab Composite.

 Transient Thermal Analysis of a Fin 
A cylindrical copper fin conducts heat away from its base at 1000C and transfers it to a surrounding fluid 
at 250C through convection. The convection heat transfer coefficient is 10  . The copper has a 
·
thermal conductivity (k) of 398  , a specific heat (Cp) of 385  , and a density of 8933 . Determine 
· ·
the following: 

(a) the time to reach steady state 
(b) the steady state temperature distribution (using a transient analysis) 
(c) the temperature distribution after 50 seconds 
(d) the animated history of temperature in the fin over time 
(e) the steady state heat transfer rate through the base of the fin (using a transient analysis) 
(f) the steady state temperature distribution and heat transfer rate through the base using a 
steady state thermal analysis 

For the transient analysis, we will assume that the fin has an initial temperature of 250C. At time t=0, 
heat will begin to flow from the base into the fin where some of the heat is stored (hence the need for 
the specific heat and density) and some of it is convected away. After a period of time, the temperature 
distribution in the fin will become steady.  Steady state solutions require that the system of equations 
defining the model be solved only ONCE, while transient solutions require a new solution for each time 
step. For example, ANSYS will determine the temperature distribution at t=0.1 s based on the initial 
conditions. Next, ANSYS will determine the temperature distribution at t = 0.2 s based on the 
temperature distribution at t=0.1 s (and so on). Solution accuracy is a function of the size of the time 
steps as well as characteristics of the mesh. 

 
 
Ambient Temp = 250C 
   
Base temperature = 1000C
h= 10 W/m2.K 

25 mm 

400 mm 
 TRANSIENT SOLUTION 
Build Model: 

1. Preprocessor >Element type > Add/Edit/Delete > (Add) > Thermal Mass > Solid > ( Solid 87) > OK 
(this 10 node tetrahedral element works well for the curved edges of the fin)       
2. Preprocessor > Material properties > Material models > Thermal > 
Enter Conductivity > Isotropic > KXX = 398, Specific heat C = 385, Density DENS = 8933 
3. Preprocessor >Modeling >  Create > Volumes > Cylinder > Solid cylinder > WP X = 0, WP Y = 0, 
Radius = 0.0125, Depth = 0.4 (use PlotCtrls to view an isometric of the cylinder) 
4. Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh tool > Turn on 
smart size to 4 > Mesh > Volumes > Mesh 
>(Pick the body) > OK 
 

Define Loads, Time Stepping Options, Output Options & Solve: 

5. Solution > Analysis Type > New Analysis > Transient > OK > Full > OK 
6. Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Thermal > Temperature > On Areas > (pick base of fin) > TEMP 
100 > OK 
7. Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Thermal > Convection > On Areas > (pick all of the areas 
except for the base – there are 3 – just click 3 times near the tip of the fin) > Film Coefficient = 
10, Bulk Temperature = 25 > OK 
8. Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Initial Condit’n > Define > Pick All > Lab = TEMP, VALUE = 25 
(ANSYS will remember the base temperature and the convection conditions you entered for the steady 
state solution, so you don’t have to re‐enter them. You can use the “List” tool to view these conditions) 
9. Solution > Load Step Opts > Time/Frequenc > Time‐Time Step > Set TIME = 10000 (at the top), 
KBC = stepped, AUTOTS = Prog Chosen, Minimum time step size = 0.01, maximum time step size 
= 200 > OK (We will let the ANSYS take charge of choosing the appropriate time step, limiting the time 
step to 200s) 
10. Solution > Load Step Opts > Output Ctrls > DB/Results File > FREQ = every substep > OK (setting 
this option will allow us to see contour plots and obtain other results at any time step between t = 0 and t 
= 10,000s) 
11. Solution > Solve > Current LS > OK 

It will take the model a while to run since it will require at least 50 time steps (max time = 10000 divided 
by maximum time step = 200)   
Time History Post Processing: 
 
12. Timehist postproc > Define 
Variables > Add > Nodal DOF 
Result > OK > Select a node 
randomly at the middle of 
the end of the fin > OK > 
NVAR = 2, DOF solution 
=Temp >OK 
 
13. Timehist Postproc > Graph 
Variables > NVAR1 = 2 > OK 
(This gives the variation of 
temperature with respect to 
time at that node. Notice that 
steady state conditions are   
reached at about 3000s, with a 
value of 80 degrees C at the tip) 
 
14. Timehist Postproc > List Variables >NVAR1 = 2 > OK (this lists the temperature as a function of time 
at the tip, as shown below) 
 

TIME TEMP TIME TEMP

1.0000 25.0000 3699.9 80.4771
1.4996 25.0000 3899.9 80.4987
1.8532 25.0000 4099.9 80.5136
2.2069 25.0000 4299.9 80.5239
3.1585 25.0000 4499.9 80.5310
4.6611 25.0000 4699.9 80.5358
6.9792 25.0000 4899.9 80.5392
10.514 25.0000 5099.9 80.5415
15.871 25.0002 5299.9 80.5431
23.959 25.0038 5499.9 80.5442
36.129 25.0393 5699.9 80.5449
54.375 25.2498 5899.9 80.5454
81.646 26.0619 6099.9 80.5458
122.92 28.2982 6299.9 80.5460
189.89 33.2269 6499.9 80.5462
310.34 42.2421 6699.9 80.5463
499.94 53.3552 6899.9 80.5464
699.94 61.7352 7099.9 80.5465
899.94 67.5764 7299.9 80.5465
1099.9 71.6141 7499.9 80.5465
1299.9 74.3972 7699.9 80.5465
1499.9 76.3137 7899.9 80.5466
1699.9 77.6330 8099.9 80.5466
1899.9 78.5412 8299.9 80.5466
2099.9 79.1663 8499.9 80.5466
2299.9 79.5965 8699.9 80.5466
2499.9 79.8927 8899.9 80.5466
2699.9 80.0965 9099.9 80.5466
2899.9 80.2368 9299.9 80.5466
3099.9 80.3334 9499.9 80.5466
3299.9 80.3998 9699.9 80.5466
3499.9 80.4456 9899.9 80.5466
10000. 80.5466
 
General Post Processing: 
 
 
15. General Postproc > Read Results 
> Last Set 
 
16. General Postproc > Plot Results > 
Contour Plot > Nodal Solution > 
DOF Solution > Nodal 
Temperature > OK (this is the 
temperature distribution at 10,000s 
or the steady state temperatures)  
 
 
 

 
 
   
17. General Postproc > Read Results 
> By Time/Freq > Enter TIME = 50 
> OK 
 
18. General Postproc > Plot Results > 
Contour Plot > Nodal Solution > 
DOF Solution > Nodal 
Temperature > OK (this is the 
temperature distribution at 50s)     
 

 
 
 
 19. General Postproc > Read 
results > By time/freq > 
Enter TIME = 180 > OK 
 
20. General Postproc > Plot 
results > Contour plot > 
Nodal solution > DOF 
solution > Nodal 
temperature > OK 
(Notice the changes in the 
temperature distribution 
relative to the 
temperatures at 50s. 
Higher temperatures are 
moving further down the 
rod.)      
 

 
 
21. PlotCtrls > Animate > Over Time > click on Time Range and enter 0 for a minimum time and 3000 
for a maximum time > OK (This will show an animation of temperature with time. You can vary 
settings.)      
22. General Postproc > Read Results > Last Set 
23. General Postproc > List Results > Reaction Solu > Heat flow > OK (scroll to the bottom of the list to 
see that the steady state total heat flow through the base of the fin is 19.7 W)     
 
 
STEADY STATE SOLUTION 
 
The transient solution must converge to the steady state solution. It is important to check the transient 
solution using a steady state analysis. The steady state model does not rely on the heat capacity, 
density, or initial conditions. 

Build Model: 

1. Preprocessor >Element type > Add/Edit/Delete > (Add) > Thermal Mass > Solid > ( Solid 87) > OK 
(this 10 node tetrahedral element works well for the curved edges of the fin)     
2. Preprocessor > Material properties > Material models > Thermal > 
Enter Conductivity > Isotropic > KXX = 398 
3. Preprocessor >Modeling >  Create > Volumes > Cylinder > Solid cylinder > WP X = 0, WP Y = 0, 
Radius = 0.0125, Depth = 0.4 (use PlotCtrls to view an isometric of the cylinder) 
 4. Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh tool > Turn on 
smart size to 4 > Mesh > Volumes > Mesh 
>(Pick the body) > OK 
 

 
Define Loads & Solve: 
 
5. Solution > Analysis type > New analysis > Steady State > OK  
6. Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Thermal > Temperature > On Areas > (pick base of fin) > TEMP 
100 > OK 
7. Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Thermal > Convection > On Areas > (pick all of the areas 
except for the base – there are 3 – just click 3 times near the tip of the fin) > Film Coefficient = 
10, Bulk Temperature = 25 > OK 
8. Solution > Solve > Current LS > OK 

Post Processing:  

9. General Postproc > Plot Results > Contour Plot > Nodal Solu > DOF Solution > Nodal 
Temperature > OK (the steady state temperature of the tip is 80.50C) 

10. General Postproc > List Results > Reaction Solu > Heat flow > OK (scroll to the bottom of the list to 
see that the total heat flow through the base of the fin is 19.7 W) 

Notice that the steady state results are roughly identical to the transient results after 3000 seconds. 

This tutorial was developed by David Hall and Sai Ravi Kanth Tummala © 2008