On modeling and the use of the NASTRAN thermal analyzer

Eight alternative modeling techniques to specify prescribed temperature at grid or scalar points for transient thermal analyses are presented. Four cases are for constant temperatures, and the others are time varying temperature functions. Theoretical explications and detailed listing of input data cards used for illustrating different modelings are given. It is shown that the NTA is exploited to extend beyond its normal capabilities through innovative modeling techniques. In addition, the effect of node valency on the energy distribution grid points is illustrated and discussed. Guidelines to delineate this effect are given.