TEMP/W is a finite element CAD software product for analyzing thermal changes in the ground due to environmental factors or the construction of facilities such as buildings or pipelines. The comprehensive formulation makes it possible to analyze both simple and highly complex geothermal problems. TEMP/W can be applied to the geothermal analysis and design of geotechnical, civil, and mining engineering projects, including facilities subjected to freezing and thawing temperature changes.

TEMP/W is formulated to account for the latent heat associated with water turning into ice and ice turning into water. The rate at which the latent heat is absorbed or released is controlled by an unfrozen water content function. Above the phase change temperature, all the water is unfrozen. As the temperature falls below the phase change point, the portion of the water that remains unfrozen decreases. Complete flexibility in defining the unfrozen water content function makes it possible to analyze a wide variety of ground conditions. When linked with SEEP/W or AIR/W it can consider convective heat transfer caysed by flowing water or moving air.

Easy to Use

Defining a Geothermal Model

Beginning an analysis is as simple as defining the geometry by drawing regions and lines that identify soil layers, or by importing a DXF™ file. Then graphically apply boundary conditions and specify material properties. Boundary conditions can be automatically created from imported climate data, thermosyphon properties, or convective surface data.

Viewing the Analysis Results

Once you have solved your geothermal analysis, TEMP/W offers many tools for viewing results. Generate contours or x-y plots of any computed parameter, such as temperature, flux, gradient, latent heat, or net radiation. Gradient vectors show the energy flow direction and rate. Transient conditions can be shown by plotting the changing frost front position over time. View energy flow paths and flux quantities. Interactively query computed values by clicking on any node, element Gauss region, or flux section. Then prepare the results for your report by adding labels, axes, and pictures, or export the results into other applications such as Microsoft® Excel® for further analysis.

Typical Applications

TEMP/W can model almost any geothermal problem, including:

• Degradation of permafrost beneath warm buildings or around a warm, buried pipeline
• Development of a frost bulb around a chilled pipeline
• Ground freezing for soil stabilization, including use of freezing pipes around mine shafts or thermosyphons on top of earth dams
• Freeze-thaw action beneath roadways and airport runways
• Frost depth penetration beneath chilled structures such as a recreational ice surface or a highway during winter
• Effectiveness of various insulation alternatives for reducing freezing and/or thawing
• plus many more!

* Microsoft, Windows and Excel are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. DXF is a trademark or registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.