Semi-analytical solution of multilayer diffusion problems with time-varying boundary conditions and general interface conditions
Provides a more accurate and efficient solution for multilayer diffusion problems with time-varying boundary conditions, benefiting applications in industrial, environmental, and biological fields.
Developed a semi-analytical method for multilayer diffusion problems that is more accurate and efficient than the unified transform method, and can handle time-varying boundary conditions and many layers. Achieved superior performance in numerical experiments.
We develop a new semi-analytical method for solving multilayer diffusion problems with time-varying external boundary conditions and general internal boundary conditions at the interfaces between adjacent layers. The convergence rate of the semi-analytical method, relative to the number of eigenvalues, is investigated and the effect of varying the interface conditions on the solution behaviour is explored. Numerical experiments demonstrate that solutions can be computed using the new semi-analytical method that are more accurate and more efficient than the unified transform method of Sheils [Appl. Math. Model., 46:450-464, 2017]. Furthermore, unlike classical analytical solutions and the unified transform method, only the new semi-analytical method is able to correctly treat problems with both time-varying external boundary conditions and a large number of layers. The paper is concluded by replicating solutions to several important industrial, environmental and biological applications previously reported in the literature, demonstrating the wide applicability of the work.