2D axisymmetric vs 3D slice thermal problem

[paul.bunuan]

This is probably a no-brainer, but I was wondering if there's any benefit to be gained or differences between a 2D axisymmetric model of a cylindrical pipe vs a 3D slice (like 15 deg) of the same pipe? Assuming that the boundary conditions and initial conditions are the same (i.e., apply film coeffient at the edge for 2D and at the surface for 3D; apply thermal isolation on the 3D along the walls that are normal to the diameter), I suspect that the results will be the same as well?

I probably could run something really quick to test this out too but wanted to get an experienced user's opinion. Thanks,

Paul

[srhusain · Accepted solution]

The 2D model will solve faster and you can mesh finer for better accuracy. Otherwise the 2d axi-symmteric and the 3d slice model are equivalent.

Hope this helps.