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Turbomachinery getting started
This getting started guide provides a comprehensive introduction to thermal modeling for turbomachinery applications using Simcenter 3D Thermal Multiphysics.
Post-processing results
This lesson introduces post-processing commands to help you review and evaluate simulation outcomes using visualization and data analysis.
Thermal results extraction
This topic explains how to use thermal results from a 2D WEM as boundary conditions for detailed 3D thermal and structural component analyses.

Knowledge base articles
Knowledge base articles provide concise, practical guidance for solving thermal, flow, multiphysics, space systems, and turbomachinery modeling challenges in Simcenter 3D.
Space thermal getting started
This getting started guide provides a comprehensive introduction to space thermal modeling using Simcenter 3D Space Systems Thermal (SST).
Turbomachinery getting started
This getting started guide provides a comprehensive introduction to thermal modeling for turbomachinery applications using Simcenter 3D Thermal Multiphysics.
- Getting started with turbomachinery in Simcenter 3D
- Fundamentals of turbomachinery systems
  This topic introduces turbomachinery and explains how gas turbines convert working-fluid energy into mechanical energy or thrust. You will learn how turbomachines are classified, how the Brayton cycle describes gas turbine operation, and how the main gas turbine sections, components, and cooling systems support safe and efficient performance.
- Gas turbine design disciplines and data exchange
  This topic introduces the main engineering disciplines involved in gas turbine design and explains how they exchange data throughout the development process. You will learn how different teams collaborate, what data they produce, and how iterative workflows drive the final engine design.
- Introducing Whole Engine Model (WEM)
  This topic introduces the WEM and explains its role in gas turbine design. You will learn how WEM captures the thermal and structural behavior of the engine, what inputs it requires, and how it supports clearance and mechanical integrity assessments.
- Introducing the user interface
  This topic covers the user interface (UI) in Simcenter 3D Thermal Multiphysics. You will learn how to navigate the modeling environment and how to efficiently use the available tools, menus, and commands to build, set up, and review your models.
- Preparing geometry for WEM
  This topic explains why geometry preparation is critical for WEM analysis. You will learn how to simplify 3D CAD geometry into efficient 2D or hybrid models and how to prepare geometry for meshing and simulation in Simcenter 3D.
- Meshing strategy
  This topic explains how to create finite element models for WEM by combining multiple mesh types and abstraction levels.
- Managing parts and assemblies
  This topic explains how to manage parts and assemblies in WEM using associative geometry, collaborative simulation capability, and integration of submodels into a full engine simulation.
- Condition sequences
  This topic explains how condition sequences define and manage engine operating conditions over a mission cycle in WEM.
- Introducing boundary conditions
  This topic explains the different types of boundary conditions used in turbomachinery simulations and how thermal, shared, and structural conditions are applied through simulation objects, constraints, and loads to represent multiphysics behavior.
- Solving a model
  This topic explains how to configure thermal-solver settings in WEM, including convergence criteria, discretization methods, integration methods, and axisymmetric-segment control for accurate and efficient thermal analyses.
- Post-processing results
  This lesson introduces post-processing commands to help you review and evaluate simulation outcomes using visualization and data analysis.
  - Generating results data output
    This topic explains how to generate, visualize, and interpret thermal solver output data, including graphs, tables, convective areas, dependency graphs, and post-processing result files.
  - Thermal results extraction
    This topic explains how to use thermal results from a 2D WEM as boundary conditions for detailed 3D thermal and structural component analyses.
    - Map convective results
      Learn how to extract fluid temperature and heat transfer coefficient (HTC) results from a 2D Whole Engine Model and map them to a 3D submodel.
  - Clearance analysis
    This topic explains how WEM predicts transient axial and radial clearances, evaluates rotor-to-casing interactions, and supports clearance optimization, leakage assessment, and rotor-rub risk analysis in gas turbines.
  - Post process transient results
    Practice managing model results using a results probe and graphs.
- Mechanical integrity
  This topic explains how thermal results from WEM are mapped to detailed component models for structural and mechanical integrity analyses.
- Blade cooling
  This topic explains why blade cooling is critical in gas turbines and how advanced cooling technologies allow turbine components to operate at temperatures above material limits.
- Troubleshooting the model
  This topic explains how to verify FEM quality, material definitions, mesh integrity, and element properties before solving a thermal model.

Thermal results extraction

This topic explains how to use thermal results from a 2D WEM as boundary conditions for detailed 3D thermal and structural component analyses.

This lesson may include hands-on exercises. Review the Discussion section for background information or click the button to proceed to the practical section.

Discussion

A common workflow in gas turbine development is to create detailed 3D component submodels that use temperature results from the 2D WEM as thermal input conditions.

This approach is useful when components:

Exhibit asymmetric thermal behavior.
Include non-axisymmetric geometric features.
Require design-life calculations such as LCF, HCF, or creep analysis that are not performed directly in the WEM.

2D Whole Engine Model (WEM) thermal results mapped to detailed 3D component submodels for thermal and structural analysis, including temperature mapping onto turbine disks, casings, and non-axisymmetric engine components.

There are two approaches in this workflow:

Mapping material temperatures directly.
Mapping convective boundary conditions such as fluid temperature and HTC.

Mapping convective boundary conditions enables designers to calculate more realistic thermal gradients and ultimately achieve higher accuracy in their design-life calculations.

Hands-on material

To gain experience with the topics discussed here, complete the following:

Map convective results