1. Introduction

In this tutorial you are required to develop two models and use each to investigate the impact of heat flow/thermal mass in buildings. The first will enable you to model steady state temperature profiles, and thus to visualise heat flow patterns, in homogeneous structures. The second will enable you to develop dynamic heat transfer models in homogeneous structures.
Both models will invite open ended investigation of issues that you consider important in building services.

2. Requirements

Investigation 1:

Find the approximate modelling solution to evaluate, and represent visually, the temperature profiles that develop in a ‘corner section' of a homogeneous wall. You are required to use this technique to investigate other structural elements/spaces (above and/or below ground) and evaluate the importance of your findings.

Investigation 2:

Find the fundamentals of finite element analysis; and the concept that steady state equations applied for short time spans can be used to approximate dynamic thermal models. You are required to develop a model that will evaluate the chronological evolution of the temperature profile through a homogeneous structure as that structure heats and approaches steady state conditions; and then to use insight gained to predict the impact of material thermal properties on building heating and cooling loads.

Extended Investigation:

With your problem solving and modelling skills to consider more advanced problems using the finite element method. i.e, A single layer, homogeneous structure subject to a cyclic temperature change on one side