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An adaptive mesh refinement procedure that uses nodeless variables and quadratic interpolation functions is presented for analysing transient thermal problems. A temperature based finite element scheme with Crank‐Nicolson time marching is used to obtain the thermal solution. The strategies used for mesh adaptation, computing refinement indicators, and time marching are described. Examples in one and two dimensions are presented and comparisons are made with exact solutions. The effectiveness of this procedure for transient thermal analysis is reflected in good solution accuracy, reduction in number of elements used, and computational efficiency.