Learning Forum

[joshrees97]

 Hello, this is my first post here. 

As part of my module that concerns finite element analysis at University, I have been tasked with finding the temperature distribution and heat flux throughout an I-beam cross section through a steady state analysis in Ansys. 

I have applied a convection boundary condition to the top flange surface, a dirichlet boundary condition/ constant temperature to the bottom flange surface and defined the surface area of the web and underside of the flange as perfectly insulated.

I have successfully created a mesh and solved the problem so that I can see the distribution of temperature and variation of heat flux across the cross-section. 

I noticed that I also have the option to see thermal error. My question is, what is thermal error and how is it calculated? I don't believe this has been discussed on my module so far so unfortunately I don't have any knowledge of it, I'm currently undertaking research into what it is but would appreciate any help.