PPolySim OS

3D Heat Diffusion

Heat diffusing through a solid volume, in three dimensions. Orbit the glowing hot region or step through cross-sectional slices.

3D Heat Diffusion StudioLive

Controls

Presets

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Grid40³
Cells64,000
SchemeExplicit FD

Governing equation

Reading this result: Heat spreads outward at a rate set by the diffusivity — each cell relaxes toward the average of its six neighbors every step.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

or unlock everything with Pro →
★ Sign in to save this setup
Save your tuned setup, or drop this simulation into your own site, docs, or course page.

How it works

The temperature field lives on a full 3D grid and evolves by an explicit finite-difference discretization of the 3D heat equation (∂u/∂t = α∇³u), summing the six-neighbour Laplacian each step. You can render it as a projected cloud of hot voxels with an orbit camera, or inspect any horizontal z-slice — the two ways engineers read volumetric thermal results.

✦

Ask the AI about this model

The math, the assumptions, real-world uses, or a code translation — explained for this exact simulation.

Related live simulations

Frequently asked questions

Is this 3D heat simulation tool really free?▾
Yes. 3D Heat Diffusion runs entirely in your browser using your device's own compute, so local use is free forever. You only pay Compute Tokens if you scale a job to the cloud.
Do I need to install anything?▾
No. Everything runs client-side in a modern browser — no downloads, no license, no account required to start.
Can I save or share my simulation?▾
Create a free account to save projects, and use a shareable embed or minted DOI to publish a live, interactive version anywhere.
How accurate are the results?▾
The solver uses established numerical methods, but results are for research and educational purposes and should be validated against experiment or professional review before you rely on them.