Hi got quite an elementary question to ask here.

Suppose I'm modeling a disk array using an 'enclosure' component with the usual stuffs inside. Does the software automatically takes into account the external natural convection (ie the heat exchange with the environment).

If yes, what are some of the necessary inputs I have to look out for?

Or do I need to manually enter the empirical heat transfer coefficient under the 'ambient' tab?

Been going through the user manual as well as talking to a few people, but couldn't find the answer. Would really appreciate any help on this matter.

Thanks in advance for any reply!

Software automatically takes into account for the external natural convection, when you have given enough system Domain. Let us say ur enclosure width is 'W', you need to extend ur system domain W times in the top side, W/2 times for bottom, left and right sides. Then Flotherm will automatically calculates 'h' for heat exchange.

Or else you can make your system domain exactly as that of your Enclosure and you can input 'heat tansfer coefficient' value for all sides.In this method you should know the reasonable value of the 'h' for all sides

Either of the above methods will work. For above two cases make sure you have enabled gravity option.

Thanks a lot Benarji! Got it.