LIMERICK, IRELAND, Jan. 13, 2005 -- A new guide published by thge research arm of the University of Limerick helps engineers and managers evaluate thermal-analysis software.

The guide, from the Stokes Research Institute, highlights a range of technical issues to consider when purchasing thermal-analysis software including modeling methodology, definition of the system for analysis, creation of a computational grid, solution and control features, and presentation of the results.

It also highlights the vendor's ability to provide customer support, training and documentation; e.g., evidence of the quality of after-sale support, or results of recent customer satisfaction surveys.

The guide informs a range of technical issues, reminding raters to ask whether the software covers all three modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation) and whether it includes interfacial or contact resistance between objects or components.

SRI researches thermal management, thermomechanical analysis, mechanical design, humidity and corrosion control, accelerated testing, failure analysis, and reliability prediction.