A new finite element axisymmetric model with non-axisymmetric thermal loads for thermal analyses of tread braked wheels

The paper describes the implementation of a finite element (FE) model for the calculation of the temperature field on tread braked wheels in ANSYS Mechanical APDL. The model is based on axisymmetric-harmonic elements, that allow to apply non-axisymmetric thermal loads over an axisymmetric geometry, thanks to the definition of thermal loads in terms of Fourier series coefficients. The model is benchmarked against a reference 3D model, in steady-state and transient simulations, and it provides the same outputs with improved computational times and management of memory resources. As the new model has 390 fewer degrees of freedom with respect to the 3D model, speed up factors around 1580 can be achieved, and smaller step-sizes are enabled. • A 2D axisymmetric thermal finite element model based on Fourier series is built. • The model is validated against a 3D model and provides the same outputs. • The 2D model has 390 times fewer degrees of freedom than the 3D model. • The model ensures speed up factors above 1500. • The model has lower memory issues and enables smaller step-sizes.