Two-Dimensional Transient Heat Conduction Analysis Using Spreadsheets

Abstract

A method for using spreadsheets to perform a numerical analysis of one- and two-dimensional transient heat conduction is described. The numerical method is based on the explicit nodal equations and is described in terms of the thermal resistance and capacitance formulation. The spreadsheet setup uses an iteration macro and can use either a single-layer spreadsheet or multiple-layer linked spreadsheets. The method allows the use of various boundary conditions, including a specified surface temperature, insulated surfaces, a convective heal transfer coefficient distribution on any surface, and an equivalent radiation heat transfer coefficient. A variable grid can be used that allows a finer grid in areas of high gradients. Thermal properties may be heterogeneous and temperature dependent. The results are highly visual and can be easily plotted in two- and three-dimensional graphs.