9. Generation of Linear Conductors for Lumped Parameter Thermal Models

The generation of linear conductors for a thermal lumped parameter model is in many cases a time-consuming task. The finite element method can help to automate this process and in addition increase the quality of these conductors especially for complex-shaped parts. Three methods for the generation of linear conductors between pairs of the thermal nodes are discussed first. One of these three is the “Far Field” method implemented in ESATAN-TMS. The other two methods are based on static reduction of the finite element conduction matrix and a steady-state solution technique, respectively. The PAT method provides relations between thermal nodes and finite element nodes consistent with the lumped parameter assumption. The system equation used for the temperature mapping with the PAT method is exploited to determine a complete conductive network between in principle all conductively connected nodes in the thermal model.