Development of a simplified heat transfer model of hollow blocks by using finite element method in frequency domain

Hollow blocks or bricks are widely used due to the good thermal insulation, lightweight, acoustic insulation, etc. This paper presents the development of a simplified heat transfer model of hollow block for simple and efficient heat flow calculation. This model is developed based on parameter identification in frequency domain by using finite element method in frequency domain. Firstly, the frequency domain finite element model (FDFEM) of the hollow block is developed by using finite element method in frequency domain to obtain the theoretical frequency characteristics of this structure. Then, the heat transfer function model in the form of s-polynomial (i.e., the s-polynomial heat transfer function model) is identified by using a parameter identification procedure based on the calculated theoretical frequency thermal characteristics. Finally, the simplified heat transfer model, i.e., the Conduction Transfer Function (CTF) coefficients, of this hollow block are derived from the identified s-polynomial heat transfer function model. A case study is presented for the prediction of the dynamic heat transfer of this hollow block by using the simplified heat transfer model. The predicted dynamic heat transfer of this block is validated by experimental data.