A modified hybrid Laplace transform/finite element method for transient heat conduction problems (Q1205667)

A modified method involving the combined use of Laplace transform and finite element methods is applicable to the problem of time-dependent linear and nonlinear heat conduction problems. The present method removes the time derivatives from the governing differential equation using the Laplace transform and then solves the associated equation with the finite element method. A previously reported hybrid Laplace transform/finite element method [\textit{H. Chen, T. Chen} and \textit{C. Chen}, Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng. 63, 83-95 (1987; Zbl 0613.73120)] has been confined to one nodal solution at a time. When applied to many nodes it takes an excessive amount of computer time. By using a similarity transform method on the matrix of the complex number coefficients, this restriction is removed and the reported modified method provides a more useful tool for the solution of linear and nonlinear transient problems.