There are several ways of obtaining the numerical formulation of a heat
conduction problem, such as the finite difference method, the finite element
method, the boundary element method, and the energy balance (or control
volume) method. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and
each is used in practice. In this chapter we will use primarily the energy balance
approach since it is based on the familiar energy balances on control volumes
instead of heavy mathematical formulations, and thus it gives a better
physical feel for the problem. Besides, it results in the same set of algebraic
equations as the finite difference method. In this chapter, the numerical formulation
and solution of heat conduction problems are demonstrated for both
steady and transient cases in various geometries.