Heat options for a heater (3D) and cartridge heater

To specify heat settings for a heater (3D) and cartridge heater, you can select the Heat Flux or Heater rating option.

The Heater (3D) elements and Heater Cartridges are supported when you select the Cool (FEM) analysis sequence.

You can select one of the following heat options:

• Heat Flux. Specify the constant flux value, in Wm².

  A heat flux sensor measures heat transfer in a single direction, by measuring the temperature gradient between two thermopiles. The heat flux is proportional to the differential voltage registered. Constant flux provides a constant heat transfer.

• Heater rating. Specify a total heat value for the element in kW.

  The solver calculates the total surface area of the heater element or heater cartridge. Based on the total surface area and total heat rating it calculates the heat flux on the heater elements. The solver uses that as the flux boundary condition.

  All the elements that encompass the heater element or heater cartridge must have the same elemental property. Then each element in the heater has the same total heat rating. If this condition is not met, the analysis stops.

  Note: If a heater (3D) is made up of more than one wire element, the Total Heater rating is divided by the number of wires before specifying the Heater rating.