Surface temperature prediction of a bridge for tactical decision aide modelling

An effort was undertaken to develop predictive techniques for determining the surface temperature of a bridge using known or assumed weather data. This type of prediction is useful in Tactical Decision Aide models which are used to provide military field commanders information about quided weapon performance against a particular target. This problem was approached using both one-dimensional and two-dimensional approximations of the Fourier heat equation.

The sensitivity of the model to variations in spatial spacing and time-step, changing diffusivity of the material, and varying lower boundary conditions was examined. Also, the effect of solar side heating on a bridge oriented in a north-south direction as opposed to an east-west oriented bridge was investigated.