The basic function of this link is to apply a constant potential (temperature) to a node in a thermal network. It is analogous to a voltage source in an electrical network. This extends GunnsBasicPotential by keeping track of the total heat flux into the attached node from the rest of the network.

The link is always connected between the ground node and the node whose temperature is to be controlled. The total link temperature rise from input (absolute zero) to exit T is the sum of the ideal potential source p_source and the temperature drop due to flow q through its conductance G as:

so it is important to keep in mind that there is always some temperature drop from the ideal source temperature whenever there is flow through the link.

This link has special connection rules that differ from GunnsBasicConductor and other types of potential source links. This picture shows the way thermal potentials can be used.

Port Connection Rules (These are limitations on the port connection to nodes that the link enforces in run-time):

• Port 0 must connect to the Ground node. This port is optional. If not drawn, GunnsDraw will automatically connect it to the Ground node.
• Port 1 must connect to a non-Ground node.

Other Rules (These are extra rules you should always try to follow):

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Configuration Data Parameters:

• defaultConductivity: Same as GunnsBasicConductor. In addition, the temperature source has no effect if conductivity is zero. An "ideal" temperature source can be modeled by setting conductivity to 1.0E+15. Some applications of this link, such as the GunnsFluidSublimator thermal aspect use a non-ideal conductance value to get variance in the node from the ideal temperature value.

Input Data Parameters:

• malfBlockageFlag: Same as GunnsFluidConductor.
• malfBlockageValue: Same as GunnsFluidConductor.
• sourcePotential (default = 0.0 (K), and non-zero magnitudes should be kept between E-15 and E+15): This is the initial ideal source temperature value, p_source. Positive values create a temperature rise from port 0 to port 1, and negative values create a temperature drop from port 0 to port 1. Since port 0 must always connect to ground, which has temperature of 0 K (absolute zero), it is possible to create negative temperatures in your network with this link. Not sure why you'd want to though!

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