Define External Radiation

Use the External tool to apply external radiation heat transfer to selected surfaces or thin solids.

  1. From the Radiation ribbon, click the External tool.


    Figure 1.
  2. Select the surfaces or thin solids on which to apply the radiation heat transfer.
    To Select Do This
    Surfaces
    1. Set the guide bar selector to Surfaces.
    2. Select surfaces.
    Thin Solids
    1. Change the guide bar selector to Thin Solids.
    2. Select thin solids.
      Note: You can only select thin solids if layers have been defined using the Thin tool.
    3. Select a direction option from the guide bar.
      • Direction: Away from Parent Surface - Define the condition on the boundary surface furthest from the parent surface.
      • Direction: Adjacent to Parent Surface - Define the condition on the boundary surface closest to the parent surface.
      • Direction: Both Sides - Define the condition on both sides of the boundary surface.
    An external radiation dialog opens.
  3. Select an external radiation definition from the drop-down menu and define radiation properties.
    Option Description
    Zero Enter a reference temperature value.
    Constant Enter a reference temperature and flux value.
    Piecewise Linear and Cubic Spline Enter a reference temperature value, define the x-axis using the Curve fit variable drop-down menu, then use the table and the plot area to define the radiation.
  4. From the guide bar, execute the command in the following ways:
    • Click to confirm your selection and remain in the tool.

      This allows you to continue creating instances and helps you visualize and edit instances with the legend.

    • Click to confirm your selection and exit the tool.