Two dimensional modelling of three core cable transient temperature rise

A study of the transient temperature rise of a three-core cable is described. A literature search was unable to uncover any reference on this topic since a paper by F.O. Wollaston (Trans. AIEE, vol.68, pt.11, p.1284-97, 1949). Results from a computer program that models the two-dimensional heat flow are compared with those obtained using the normally applied one-dimensional model. The modeling technique is an alternative to the finite-difference and finite-element methods. It develops the concept of a thermal resistance/capacitance analog, as can be done using the finite-difference method, but does so more directly without the need to use the partial-differential equation. In addition, it provides the flexibility of the finite-element method when modeling a complex geometry and material combination, such as that found in a three-core cable, without the complexity of its mathematics