SUMMARYTransient heat transfer through composite "ns is investigated by numerical methods. In this regard, governing di!erential equations of the two-dimensional "n and one-dimensional cladding are studied to examine the e!ect of Biot number and ratio of thermal conductivities of the "n material to the cladding, on the dimensionless temperature pro"les. In addition, the use of spreadsheet programs in solving the composite "n problems is investigated in somewhat more detail with regard to the solution as well as presentation of the graphical results. The results show that one-dimensional analysis, traditionally used in "n analysis, is not applicable for composite "ns, particularly when the conductivity ratio of the composite "n materials is very high.