This paper presents the results of finite element analysis of a heat transfer problem of flowing polymer melts in a tube with constant ambient temperature. The theological behavior of the melt is described by a temperature dependent power-law model. A viscous dissipation term is included in the energy equation. Temperature profiles are obtained for different tube lengths and different entrance temperatures. The results are compared with some similar results in the literature. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.