MULTIDIMENSIONAL INVERSE TRANSIENT HEAT-CONDUCTION PROBLEMS BY DIRECTSENSITIVITY COEFFICIENT METHOD USING A FINITE-ELEMENT SCHEME

A recently developed algorithm called the direct sensitivity coefficie nt method has been extended to deal with the transient effect of inver se heat conduction problems. The method was successfully applied to mu ltidimensional steady-state problems. Different sensitivity coefficien ts have been used to assess the physical responses of the domain consi dered under unit loading conditions for steady-state inverse problems. The concept of the finite-element discretization has been applied to evaluate the global responses under the total loading condition. The m ethod developed is capable of dealing with unknown surface heat flux; surface temperature, heat transfer coefficient, or any combination of the above. In this article, the formulation as well as the theory adop ted is discussed. The finite-element procedures for solving two-dimens ional transient problems are specifically illustrated. Analysis of a s elected benchmark problem is conducted. Results based on information w ith and without future temperatures are presented with emphasis on acc uracy estimations. Recommendations for further work are also included.