TOPAZ3D: A three-dimensional finite element heat transfer code

TOPAZ3D is a three dimensional implicit finite element computer code for heat transfer analysis. A user's manual for TOPAZ3D is provided as is a description of the numerical algorithms used. Sample problems with analytical solutions are presented. TOPAZ3D was implemented on the Cray and Vax computers. TOPAZ3D can be used to solve for the steady state or transient temperature field on three dimensional geometries. Material properties may be temperature dependent and either isotropic or orthotropic. A variety of time and temperature dependent boundary conditions can be specified including temperature, flux, convection, and radiation. By implementing the user subroutine feature, users can model chemical reaction kinetics and allow for any type of functional representation of boundary conditions and internal heat generation. TOPAZ3D can solve problems of diffuse and specular band radiation in an enclosure coupled with conduction in the material surround the enclosure. Additional features include thermal contact resistance across an interface, bulk fluids, phase change, and energy balances. Thermal stresses can be calculated using the solid mechanics code NIKE3D which reads the temperature state data calculated by TOPAZ3D. TOPAZ3D is an extension of the two dimensional heat transfer code TOPAZ to three dimensions.