XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''"> 1.4 Using this Guide
The material in this document is presented with certain assumptions about the knowledge and abilities of the user. It is recommended that the user obtain and become familiar with the other pertinent documents listed at the end of this section. This Guide makes frequent reference to these documents, or to material described more fully in them.
Assumptions About the User
This document was written under the following assumptions:
• The user is familiar with Patran and can make finite element models in Patran. If not sufficiently versed in the use of Patran, the user may refer to the Patran Reference Manual or attend an MSC Institute course.
• The user is familiar with MSC.Software Corporation (MSC) product Patran Thermal and is able to perform thermal analysis using Patran and Patran Thermal. If not, the user may wish to refer to the Patran Thermal documentation and/or attend the MSC Institute course on Patran Thermal or obtain the video cassette course on Patran Thermal.
• The user is familiar with the computer environment in which this software will be used, and is able to manipulate files, manipulate directories, and edit files.
• The user has experience and/or education equivalent to a BS in engineering with an emphasis on thermal analysis. If the user is a novice thermal analyst, it is suggested that course work or self-directed study be undertaken. It is not the purpose of this Guide to make the user of Viewfactor a thermal analyst. The ideas presented and used in this Guide will not be easily understood by one who does not understand thermal analysis.
• Some of the material in this document is aimed at the thermal analysis expert.
Other Pertinent Documents
• Patran Reference Manual, Volumes 1 through 3.
• MSC Patran Thermal User’s Guide.
• Gebhart, B. Heat Transfer, 2nd edition, McGraw-Hill, 1971.
• Howell, J.R. A Catalog of Radiation Configuration Factors, McGraw-Hill, 1982.
• Siegel, R., and Howell, J.R. Thermal Radiation Heat Transfer, 2nd edition, McGraw-Hill, 1981.