ABSTRACT
In the preceding two chapters, we discussed solutions of various linear heat conduction problems by the application of the classical method of separation of variables. When separation is possible, this method turns out to be an effective and simple method to implement. However, in most cases, separation may not be easily achievable or it may not even be possible. In this chapter, we study the method of solution of linear heat conduction problems by the application of various integral transforms, such as Fourier and Hankel transforms. These transforms remove the partial derivatives with respect to space variables and are equally attractive for both steady- and unsteady-state problems. The method of Laplace transforms, which is also an integral transform method and is typically used to remove the partial derivative with respect to the time variable, is studied in the next chapter.
