An alternative method for the numerical solution of the integrodifferential heat-conduction equation

An algorithm is developed using the finite-element method for calculating the temperature field in a bounded domain allowing for the finite rate of propagation of heat during pulsed surface heating. An accumulating finite element mesh is used in order to remove the oscillations in the solution behind the temperature wave front. An investigation of the error in the calculations enables a rational approach to be taken to the choice of parameters in the integration scheme. Calculations of the propagation and reflection of the temperature waves due to pulsed surface charging are presented.