ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the mathematical formulation for the general physical phenomena of interest. It discusses the heat conduction equation and generalizes it to represent other analogous processes. The computer program CONDUCT provides a calculation scheme for the solution of this general equation. The book provides the complete details of the algebraic equations, boundary conditions, solution algorithm, source terms, nonlinearity, and so on. It examines the subprograms appearing in the invariant part of CONDUCT and the adaptations to steady and unsteady heat conduction problems. The book explores additional adaptations, which include some advanced duct flows, potential flows, and a flow through porous medium. It suggests that concluding remarks about the method and the computer program, some suggestions on further extensions of CONDUCT, and final reminders on its proper use for a variety of applications.
