Transient modeling/analysis of hyperbolic heat conduction problems employing mixed implicit-explicit α-method

The paper describes the evaluation of mixed implicit-explicit finite element formulations for hyperbolic heat conduction problems involving non-Fourier effects. In particular, mixed implicit-explicit formulations employing the α-method proposed by Hughes, et al. [1,2] is described for the numerical simulation of hyperbolic heat conduction models. Existing analytical approaches for modeling/analysis of such models involve complex mathematical formulations for obtaining closed-form solutions while in certain numerical formulations, the difficulties include severe oscillatory solution behavior (which often disguises the true response) in the vicinity of the thermal disturbances which propagate with finite velocities. In view of these factors, the α-method is evaluated to assess the control of the amount of numerical dissipation for predicting the transient propagating thermal disturbances.