Database for Research Projects to Solve the Inverse Heat Conduction Problem

To achieve the optimal performance of an object to be heat treated, it is necessary to know the exact value of the Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) describing the amount of heat exchange between the work piece and the cooling medium. The prediction of the HTC is a typical Inverse Heat Transfer Problem (IHCP), which cannot be solved by direct numerical methods. There are numerous techniques used to solve the IHCP based on heuristic search algorithms having very high computational demand. As another approach, it would be possible to use machine-learning methods for the same purpose, which are capable of giving prompt estimations about the main characteristics of the HTC function. As known, a key requirement for all successful machine-learning projects is the availability of high quality training data. In this case, the amount of real-world measurements is far from satisfactory because of the high cost of these tests. As an alternative, it is possible to generate the necessary databases using simulations. This paper presents a novel model for random HTC function generation based on control points and advanced smoothing techniques. As an additional step, a GPU accelerated finite-element method was used to simulate the cooling process resulting in the required temporary data records. These datasets make it possible for researchers to develop and test their IHCP solver algorithms.