FINITE ELEMENT TECHNIQUE FOR SOLUTION OF THERMO-CONTACT PROBLEMS AND ITS APPLICATION IN NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF DEVICES WORKING WITH INDUCTION HEATING

Abstract

Purpose. To develop an effective approach for the numerical solution of transient thermo-contact problems and present a typical example of its utilization regarding devices working on the principle of thermoelasticity produced by induction heating and specific technological processes intended for assembly and disassembly of systems containing shrink fits. Methodology. A finite element technique for solution of 2D multiphysics (electromagnetic, thermal and structural) problems is developed, taking into account temperature dependences of material properties and continuous variations of the contact surfaces. Modeling of the contact interaction between two parts is based on the concept of a special contact finite element having no thickness. The functional for the temperature problem is supplemented with components corresponding to the thermal conductivity of this contact layer. The heat generated due to mutual sliding of both parts can also be taken into account, but the heat capacity (specific heat) of the contact layer is neglected. Using a special 1D 4-node finite elements a system of equations for the description of the thermo-contact problem is obtained. Originality. Relatively simple analytical formulae for calculation of the contact thermal resistances occurring in specific parts of electrical machines are known. The paper offers an alternative approach for the numerical solution of transient thermo-contact problems based on the concept of a special 1D contact finite element having no thickness. Results. The presented technique is applied for the computer simulation of assembly and disassembly of a shrink fit using induction heating. Conclusions regarding the choice of technological modes are made. Comparative computations for drills made from hard alloy and alloyed tool steel are carried out.