[Bldg-sim] FEA heat-transfer analysis of envelope designs

[Josh K]

Hi all;

I'm interested in using FEA to model the heat-transfer characteristics of
several building envelope designs. I'm attempting to use Elmer (
http://www.csc.fi/english/pages/elmer) to do this. Because Elmer doesn't do
anything more than very simple mesh creation, I'm using GiD (
http://gid.cimne.upc.es/) to attempt to mesh my wall section.

However, I'm having some serious problems creating a mesh. I'm not overly
experienced in mesh creation, but I have a feeling this stems from the
ridiculous aspect ratio of several parts of the assembly (ie, a 11' x 6' x
5/8" sheet of drywall) and the relatively minuscule thickness (~1/16") of
the steel studs and z-girts that are in the construction.

I'm wondering if anyone has conducted any such analysis before and could
offer some meshing tips. Alternatively, can anyone recommend a resource I
could consult?

Many thanks,

Josh

-- 
Josh Kjenner, P.Eng., LEED AP
Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd.
10225 100 Avenue :: Edmonton, AB T5J 0A1
780.429.3977
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