Recent advances in thermostructural finite element analysis

A comparison study is described which has indicated that the finite element and lumped parameter methods are comparable for steady-state conduction/convection analyses. The finite element model was advantageous because of the ease of model verification with computer graphics. Some problems encountered in constructing compatible thermal and structural models have indicated the need for further methodology developments to automate the transition between thermal and structural analyses. The need for more efficient finite element nonlinear transient algorithms has been cited. With further development in the thermal analysis area, the finite element method offers high potential for an integrated thermal/structural analysis capability.