A general method for solving transient multidimensional inverse heat transfer problems

The purpose of this work is to formulate a simple method, which can be used for the solution of an inverse transient heat flow problem. The proposed algorithm allows to reconstruct the transient temperature distribution in a whole structure element based on measured temperatures at selected points on the outer surface or inside in the component. The presented method allows for the use of commercial calculation programs. In this work, ANSYS Multiphysics software, that utilizes finite element method (FEM) is applied. Both linear and nonlinear finite elements have been used. The unknown boundary condition can be assumed as a staircase function or a polynomial function. Due to the implementation of the finite element method, the proposed method can be applied to complex-shape-bodies with temperature-dependent thermophysical properties. Numerical examples of the identification of transient heat conduction and simultaneous transient heat flow by conduction and radiation will be presented. The presented method allows to optimize the power block's shut-down and start-up operations. It also contributes to the reduction of heat loss during these operations and the extension of the power block's life span. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.