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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine thermal behaviour of wing fuel tank wall via heating by external heat sources.Design/methodology/approach A 3D finite element model of the structure has been created that takes into account convection, conduction and radiation effects. In addition, a 3D finite volume model of the air inside the leading edge is created. Through a computational fluid dynamics approach, the flow of air and thermal behaviour of the air is modelled. The structure and fluid model are coupled via a co-simulation engine to exchange heat flux and temperature. Different ventilation cases of the leading edge and their impact on the thermal behaviour of the tank wall (corresponding to the front spar) are investigated.Findings Results of 3D analysis illustrate good insight into the thermal behaviour of the tank wall. Furthermore, if regions exist in the leading edge that differs significantly from the overall thermal picture of the leading edge, these are visible in a 3D analysis. Finally, the models can be used to support a flammability analysis assessment.Practical implications Provided that the bleed pipe is located far enough from the spar and covered with sufficient thermal heat isolation, the composite leading edge structure will not reach extremely high temperatures.Originality/value These detailed simulations provide accurate results which can be used as reliable input for the fuel tank flammability analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]