Inverse source problem for thermal fields

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an inverse approach for 3D thermal sources determination.Design/methodology/approachThe developed approach is based on the Green's function for Poison's equation. Forward and inverse couple electromagnetic‐thermal field problems are formulated. Finite elements models are built and applied. Thermal field data are acquired by thermo vision camera. The thermal field sources are determined inside of the investigated inaccessible volume object using modeled and measured data with the developed approach.FindingsThe presented method and implemented examples demonstrate the possibilities of the developed approach for inverse source problem solution and determination of thermal field distributions of electrical devices.Originality/valueThe proposed inverse method uses the Green's function for Poison's equation for solution of thermal field problem taking into account the couple electromagnetic‐thermal problems. Proposed inverse method is very fast, accurate and can be used in many practical activities for electrical current determination and visualization in inaccessible regions only by measured external thermal field. Thermal field data needed for the method are easily acquired by thermo vision camera.