Numerical Solution of the Heat Transfers in Skin—Application to Surgery

The aim of this study is to determine the conduction coefficient K̄ p as well as the thermic capacity C̄ p of skin by simulating its behaviour by means of a model. - The conduction coefficient is determined statistically by identifying the permanent state of a model to isothermic lines at the surface of skin disturbed by the contact of a cooling element. - The thermic capacity C̄ p is estimated by identifying the transient rate of the model to the isothermic lines, evoluting to their permanent rate. The thermic characteristics of skin enable us to optimize the gap between the exchangers of a cooling element of face grafts (maxillo facial surgery).