Tips for Computer Modeling Induction Heating Processes – Part 1

Dr. Valery Rudnev, FASM – Inductoheat Inc., Madison Heights, Mich.

Computer modeling is no longer just a useful tool, it has become a necessity. Computer simulation provides the ability to predict how different factors may affect the transitional and final thermal conditions of a heated workpiece and what must be done to determine the most appropriate process recipes.

When designing new systems, computer modeling helps to minimize unpleasant surprises and shortens development time. Estimation of process parameters based on single-formula “rules of thumb” was popular between 1960 and 1990. Although those techniques were easy to employ, there was always a danger of obtaining erroneous and inadequate results from such overly simplified techniques.