Keywords: ccx

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### Three-node fluid element (D)

This is a general purpose fluid element used in forced convection applications. It consists of three nodes: two end nodes and one middle node. The node numbering is shown in Figure 32. In the end nodes the only active degree of freedom is the temperature degree of freedom. These nodes can be used in forced convection *FILM conditions. In the middle node the only active degree of freedom is degree of freedom 1, and stands for the mass flow rate through the element. A positive mass flow rate flows from local node 1 to local node 3, a negative mass flow rate in the reverse direction. It can be defined using a *BOUNDARY card for the first degree of freedom of the middle node of the element. Fluid material properties can be defined using the *MATERIAL and *FLUID SECTION cards.