A theoretical model is developed that predicts the thermal characterization of multiscale wires using the pulse laser thermal relaxation technique. This into account anisotropic heat transfer and radiation heat lost to the surroundings. The simulation results have better agreement with the experimental results than previous models. Using the validated model, the heat transfer characteristics of multiscale wires with various morphologies (radius of 15-25 mu m, length of 500-1000 mu m, radial thermal conductivities of 0.05-5.00 W/mK, axial thermal conductivities of 10-2000 W/mK) and experimental conditions (laser power outputs of 20-50 kW and laser pulse width of 5-9 ns) are studied. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.