An analytic approach to the unsteady heat conduction processes in one-dimensional composite media

The transient heat conduction problems in one-dimensional multi-layer solids are usually solved applying conventional techniques based on Vodicka's approach. However, if the thermal diffusivity of each layer is retained on the side of the heat conduction equation modified from the application of the separation-of-variables method where the time-dependent function is collected, then the modified heat conduction equation by itself represents a transparent statement of the physical phenomena involved. This 'natural' choice so simplifies unsteady heat conduction analysis of composite media that thermal response computation reduces to a matter of relatively simple mathematics when compared with traditional techniques heretofore employed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.