Some numerical experiences with an explicit finite element method for diffusion equation

An explicit time-stepping technique is presented for solving the transient diffusion equation. Initial and boundary conditions are defined, together with a fully discrete equation in matrix form. The Gauss-Lobato quadrature rule is applied to computing the capacity and conduction matrices. A stability criterion is formulated for selecting the initial time step. Uses of the explicit technique are illustrated in the form of heat conduction in a cylinder and one-dimensional nonlinear heat conduction dependent on material properties.