Heat Transfer in Thin Multilayered Plates—Part I: A New Approach

We present a new model for the determination of temperature distributions in thin plates consisting of many different layers. The method uses both continuous and discrete approaches. The derived set of equations is based on a continuous representation of heat transfer phenomena at the midplane of each layer, whereas it facilitates a discrete process for introducing ply to ply, through thickness, heat transfer. For the steady state case, the resulting equations are of the Helmholtz type. Methods of solutions for the resulting system are discussed, and comparisons with the first order lamination theory are presented in a benchmark example.