Abstract: By modeling direct transient heat conduction problems via finite element method (FEM) and precise integral algorithm, a new approach is presented to solve transient inverse heat conduction problems with multi-variables. Firstly, the spatial space and temporal domain are discretized by FEM and precise integral algorithm respectively. Then, the high accuracy semi-analytical solution of direct problem can be got. Finally, based on the
solution, the computing model of inverse problem and expression of sensitivity analysis are established. Single variable and variables combined identifications including thermal parameters, boundary conditions and source-related terms etc. are given to validate the approach proposed in 1-D and 2-D cases. The effects of noise data and initial guess on the results are investigated. The numerical examples show the effectiveness of this approach.

Key words: delay, neural network, periodic oscillation, coincidence degree