  The aim of this article is to discuss the estimation of the diffusivity
coefficient of a homogeneous metal rod from temperature values at a fixed point
in the bar for different time instants. The time-dependent problem of heat
conduction is analyzed in an insulated conductor wire of length l considering
constant boundary conditions. The problem is modeled by a parabolic partial
differential equation, imposing Dirichlet boundary conditions. We consider
simulated temperature values at a point of the bar for different time instants
and estimate the coefficient of diffusivity using usual techniques for solving
inverse problems. For the discretization of the equation we consider a finite
difference centered scheme. We include an analytical and numerical study of the
sensitivity of the temperature function with respect to the coefficient of
diffusivity. Numerical experiments show very good accuracy in the estimates.
