Thermal Image Mapping

Download the required files to run this tutorial. Files include a start TDF file, an end TDF file for comparison, an OBJ, and a PNG file .

Benefits:

The benefits of the import temperature profile feature include:

• More complex and realistic boundary conditions
• Ability to use thermal images from prototypes to define boundary condition temperature profiles across one or more parts
• Greater synergy between product testing and simulation teams

Tutorial:

This tutorial will demonstrate how to import a texture-mapped image into ThermoAnalytics software and applying the temperature distribution mesh to a part.

Background:

To run this tutorial a grayscale thermal image was completed and mapped to model mesh geometry using a CAD program. This was done to create the *.OBJ file used in the temperature import process.

Contact ThermoAnalytics, Inc for additional support with setting up this tutorial.

CAD Geometry with Thermal Image

To Import a Temperature Profile:

1. Begin by opening the building_begin_tutorial.tdf file.
2. From the Units pull down menu in the main menu bar, change the setting to English.
3. Go to the main menu bar and select File > Import > Import Temperature Profile.
4. Browse to the OBJ file building-obj-sample_mapped_1image.obj.

NOTE: The image texture file referenced in the OBJ file should also be available to be read in by the software. Normally it is stored in the same directory as the OBJ mesh reference file.

5. Enter a min temperature of 7°F and a max temperature of 92°F into the temperature range dialog box.
6. Select which parts should receive the temperature profile, or choose "all parts."
7. Click the [OK] button.

8. To verify the correct mapping of the element distribution, spot check before running the model.
   1. Click on the Editor Tab.
   2. Click in the graphics window on the right side of the screen to update the model.
   3. Select the [Choose Assigned Elements] button.
   4. Spot check element ID to the mapped temperature value displayed in the Assigned Elements scrolling dialog box.
   
9. After spot-checking, go to the menu bar and select File > Save As. Save the model as building_begin_tutorial1.tdf.
10. Click the [OK] button.
11. Select the Analyze Tab > Results Tab and click the [Run] button to run the model.
12. Click the [Auto Scale] button located in the graphics window.
13. Navigate to the Editor Tab.
14. Select the [Choose Assigned Elements] button.
15. Test individual elements to see if the temperatures were assigned properly.