1D,2D and 3D Unknown Heat Source location - Conduction

Bshah · November 14, 2019, 10:57

Hello heat transfer experts,
Hopefully, I will be able to explain the issue as clearly as I can.
I am trying to find the location of the heat source when it is unknown due to restricted access to the structure. Therefore, using the temperature change against time at the surface only can be somehow used to find the depth or spatial location of the heat source.
Since the temperature change at the surface depends on three factors to the best of my knowledge which includes the distance of heat source from the surface, the heat source strength and geometry features.

So I am trying to build a relationship between surface temperature change and the distance and the strength of the heat source. Any possible leads? I was thinking to check the techniques such as PSO, GA, Ant Colony Optimization etc. Some expert advice will really push me in the right direction. Much appreciated.

evcelica · November 14, 2019, 11:38

The transient temperature change is governed by Fourier's Heat Equation:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_equation

How are you with solving Differential Equations?

November 14, 2019, 10:57	1D,2D and 3D Unknown Heat Source location - Conduction	#1
Bshah New Member Syed Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	Hello heat transfer experts, Hopefully, I will be able to explain the issue as clearly as I can. I am trying to find the location of the heat source when it is unknown due to restricted access to the structure. Therefore, using the temperature change against time at the surface only can be somehow used to find the depth or spatial location of the heat source. Since the temperature change at the surface depends on three factors to the best of my knowledge which includes the distance of heat source from the surface, the heat source strength and geometry features. So I am trying to build a relationship between surface temperature change and the distance and the strength of the heat source. Any possible leads? I was thinking to check the techniques such as PSO, GA, Ant Colony Optimization etc. Some expert advice will really push me in the right direction. Much appreciated.

November 14, 2019, 11:38		#2
evcelica Senior Member Erik Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Earth (Land portion) Posts: 1,167 Rep Power: 23	The transient temperature change is governed by Fourier's Heat Equation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_equation How are you with solving Differential Equations?