Bolt modelization for Optistruct heat transfer analysis

J_Vega
J_Vega Altair Community Member
edited May 31 in Community Q&A

Hi all, 

 

I am starting with thermal analysis in optistruct and I have a few questions regarding bolt modelization. 

For structural analysis I usually model bolted IF as a combination of rigid elements (RBE2) and elastic 1D elements (CBUSH, CELAS, CBEAM, CROD etc.) but I have read that RBE2 elements are ignored in heat transfer analysis and so the parts connected via RBE2 elements are in fact disconected thermally speaking. My question is, what are the usual practices to deal with that type of connections in heat transfer analysis?

I have thought in creating conductive  interface between one node in the 1D elastic elements (In the structural analysis this node would be the independant node of the RBE2) and the nodes in the hole where the bolt is located (these nodes would be the dependant nodes in the RBE2). Is this approach correct? Are there better options?

Thanks,

JV

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Answers

  • Adriano_Koga
    Adriano_Koga
    Altair Employee
    edited May 31

    you're apparently correct. RBE2 elements do not transfer heat in thermal models.

    Maybe you could use contacts in order to connect your parts thermally.

    I'm attaching a sample file with thermal contact.

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