Dirichlet boundary condition configuration
Dirichlet Boundary Condition Configuration in Twin Fabrica
A Dirichlet boundary condition sets a fixed temperature on specific surfaces of a geometry. It simulates perfect thermal contact with a constant-temperature environment, such as cooling plates, thermostatic surfaces, or controlled boundaries.
This guide explains how to configure a Dirichlet boundary condition and assign it to geometrical entities in your Twin Fabrica project.
📝 Note: This tutorial assumes you have already created a boundary condition component. If not, please refer to the guide on how to create one.
1. Select the Dirichlet Condition Type
Open the boundary condition component and select Dirichlet from the Condition Type drop-down menu.
This setting maintains a fixed temperature on your chosen surfaces throughout the simulation.
2. Default Temperature Distribution
By default, Twin Fabrica applies a uniform temperature across all assigned surfaces.
For advanced cases, you can define a space-dependent temperature distribution using a custom function.
This advanced functionality is covered in a separate tutorial.
3. Optional: Parametric Temperature
The Dirichlet temperature can be expressed as a parametric function, allowing temperature changes over time or responses to other simulation inputs.
This tutorial focuses on the basic configuration using a constant temperature value.
4. Define a Temperature Label
Give your Dirichlet temperature parameter a descriptive label.
A clear label helps track the condition throughout your simulation setup, especially with complex parameter sets.
Example: T_fixed_boundary_1
5. Set the Nominal Temperature Value
Enter the nominal temperature value for the assigned surfaces.
This constant value applies during simulations, including Full Order Model builds, unless overridden.
6. Assign the Condition to Geometry
Use the entity selection tree to assign the boundary condition to your model:
- Both 2D surfaces and 3D volumes are listed in the tree.
- When applying a Dirichlet condition to a 3D entity, Twin Fabrica automatically applies it to all free outer surfaces.
Check the appropriate boxes to assign the condition.
7. Save the Configuration
After completing the label, value, and geometrical assignments, click SAVE to store the boundary condition configuration.
8. Verify the Model Setup
To confirm the setup:
- Locate the boundary condition under the Boundary Conditions section in the project navigation tree.
- Select it, and Twin Fabrica will highlight the associated surfaces in the 3D geometry view, confirming where the condition applies.