Comparison of three sequential function specification algorithms for the inverse heat conduction problem

Abstract Three algorithms for implementing the sequential function specification method of estimating boundary heat flux in the inverse heat conduction problem are compared. They differ from one another in the type of piecewise function used to describe the heat flux and the assumed variation of heat flux over future time. The results of the comparison show that the algorithm that makes use of linear piecewise function for the heat flux and assumes linearly varying heat flux over future time performs slightly better than the other two algorithms.