Volumetric Heat Source Condition¶
The volumetric heat source condition defines a prescribed heat power density within a solid volume. It represents internal heat generation and appears as the source term on the right-hand side of the solid temperature governing equation: $$ Q = Q_0. $$
- \(Q\) - volumetric heat power density [W/m\(^3\)]
- \(Q_0\) - prescribed volumetric heat power density [W/m\(^3\)]
Applicability¶
This condition is used when heat is generated within the volume of a material rather than entering through the boundary.
Typical use cases¶
- Joule heating: \(Q = \sigma |E|^2\)
- Magnetic/eddy current losses
- Chemical or electrochemical heat generation
- Nuclear or volumetric energy deposition
- Uniform or spatially varying internal heat sources