Hotmodellering

Hotmodellering is a Dutch term used in engineering and science to refer to the modelling of thermal processes. It encompasses the formulation, solution, and interpretation of models that describe how heat is generated, transferred, and stored in a system. While the literal translation is “heat modelling,” the precise meaning can depend on the field, and in English-language literature the equivalent concept is commonly called heat transfer modelling or thermal modelling.

Typical approach involves defining geometry and material properties, including how they vary with temperature, and applying governing equations for heat transfer. These include conduction, convection, and radiation, sometimes coupled with fluid flow or structural equations. Solutions can be analytical for simple problems or numerical for complex ones. Transient simulations capture time-dependent behavior, while steady-state models describe long-term conditions. In many contexts, lumped-parameter or reduced-order models are used for faster approximations.

Applications of hotmodellering span numerous sectors. In building physics, it helps assess energy efficiency and comfort. In electronics and automotive engineering, it supports cooling design and thermal management. Process engineering, energy systems, and environmental studies also rely on thermal modelling to predict temperatures, heat fluxes, and thermal stresses.

Tools commonly used include commercial software such as ANSYS, COMSOL, and ABAQUS, as well as OpenFOAM and MATLAB-based workflows. Key data requirements include material properties (thermal conductivity, specific heat, density), boundary conditions, and experimental data for calibration and validation. Challenges include nonlinear material behavior, phase changes, anisotropy, and the integration of thermal models with structural or fluid dynamic models, all of which impact accuracy and computational demands.