Graphical Solution of the Transient Heat Transfer Problem

In literature, both analytical and numerical solutions to the time‐dependent multi‐dimensional heat transfer problem can be found. Unfortunately, in order to apply these solution methods, fundamentals of differential equations and numerical analysis methods must be well known. These subjects are not satisfactorily covered in undergraduate level of engineering education, so that, alternative solutions such as reading values from charts (Heisler charts) are introduced. In this study, foremost problems in using graphic solution which are being followed by almost every textbook of heat transfer are discussed and misreading during application of these charts is highlighted. For this purpose, functions which analytically solve heat transfer equation are developed in numerical analysis tool (MATLAB). Furthermore, programs that will more accurately regenerate the charts of Heisler, with high‐precision, which was drawn in 1947 with only one‐term of the series expansion, were developed. To solve transient heat tran...