Numerical modeling of heat transfer in an orthotropic I-beam

The finite-element method is used for modeling the heat transfer in an I-beam at different ratios of heat conductivities of its orthotropic material. Various schemes are proposed for numerical calculations, which allowed us to describe the process of heat transfer with different accuracy. The calculation error was estimated, by using simplified schemes, as a function of the ratio of heat conductivities. It is shown that simplified schemes can successfully be employed for modeling the transient heat transfer process with an accuracy sufficient for engineering applications.