A two-dimensional finite element model of nonlinear heat transfer was developed to predict temperature distributions of wheat in a cylindrical stored grain bin. An electric heater was used at the bin centre to produce internal heat. With this model the temperature distributions in a storage bin (310 mm diameter x 400 mm depth) containing dried wheat were simulated during 7 h storage period. Predicted temperatures were in good agreement with measured temperatures. This study may be served as a basis for optimum design of storage bins. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.