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Body Heat Source

In one sentence: Apply a volumetric heat generation rate (W/m³) to the body — for resistive heating, chemical exotherms, or nuclear decay.

Overview

Workbench: FEM
Menu: FEM → Model → Thermal Loads → Body Heat Source

Applies a volumetric heat generation rate to the entire body or selected volumes. Heat is generated uniformly inside the material, modelling resistive heating, chemical reaction exotherms, nuclear decay, or frictional heating.

Parameters

Parameter Description
Heat Source Volumetric heat generation rate (W/m³ or W/kg)
Mode Total power (W) or power density (W/m³)

Common values

Application Approximate q (W/m³)
Resistive heating, PCB component 10 000 – 1 000 000
Nuclear fuel element up to 10¹⁰
Solar energy absorbed in glass ~100 – 1 000

Python API

import ObjectsFem
doc = App.ActiveDocument
analysis = doc.getObject("Analysis")

heat_src = ObjectsFem.makeConstraintBodyHeatSource(doc, "HeatSource")
heat_src.BodyHeatSource = 1e6   # W/m³
analysis.addObject(heat_src)
doc.recompute()

See also