The study of the temperature field in an infinite slab under line and plane heat source

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reveal the characteristics of the temperature field under different types of heat sources, which are significant to the temperature control encountered in practical manufacturing processes. Design/methodology/approach – The temperature fields in an infinite slab under line or plane heat source are calculated numerically by control volume approach and ADI scheme, and the numerical results of the temperature rise have been compared among the different types of the heat sources. Findings – The numerical results show the different changing patterns of temperature fields under line and plane heat source, respectively, and demonstrate that the magnitude of temperature rise depends strongly on the type of the heat sources. The order of temperature rise from high to low is point, line and plane heat source base on the same input heat. Originality/value – The study is original and findings are new, which demonstrate the different changing patterns of temperature fields and the magnitude of temperature rise under line and plane heat source. The numerical solution is significant for the temperature control in practical manufacturing processes.