Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 February 2011
A finite element analysis applicable to two- and three-dimensional heat flow in samples of arbitrary geometry and composition is presented for use in a thermal wave experiment. The finite element formulation is summarized, including the use of symmetry to simplify the problem, and the governing differential equations for the heat transport are found to be in the form of the Helmholtz equation for the specific case of a modulated heat source. Simulated data for a Nb/Si superlattice is calculated using the finite element code and is shown to agree with predictions from an analytical model, validating the approach taken.