Thermally nonlinear generalized thermoelasticity: a note on the thermal boundary conditions

The present paper is aimed to make a detail analysis on the correct simulation of the associated natural thermal boundary conditions and their interesting effects on the thermally nonlinear generalized thermoelastic response of a continuum medium. The paper presents some explanations regarding the literally conventional thermal boundary conditions associated with Cattaneo's heat conduction law. The importance of modeling the natural thermal boundary conditions is investigated by applying three practical thermal loads to a homogeneous one-dimensional layer. The results of the investigations are illustrated by propagation of thermoelastic waves through the layers. These results clearly show the profound effects of the correct statement of natural thermal boundary conditions on the thermoelastic response of the layer. It is shown that these effects intensify the importance of thermally nonlinear generalized thermoelastic analyses.