Study of Steady State Heat Conduction in Composite Layer by Linear Triangular Finite Element

Abstract

Finite element method with linear triangular shape function was used to numerically investigate steady state heat conduction in composite layer. This method divides each layer into a number of small elements. By defining elements, local node, global node, and temperature boundary conditions, an element coefficient matrix can be formed. Element coefficient matrix needs to be assembled to form a global coefficient matrix. The solution of the global coefficient matrix will provide the temperature value at each node. In this research, variations of the thermal conductivity value and temperature boundary conditions are applied. The results of the study will show the effect of different thermal conductivity value against temperature gradient.