This paper presents a numerical analysis of the evolution of 
normal zones in a composite superconductor based on a novel 
heat conduction equation which takes into account the finite 
speed of thermal wave propagation and the inertia of the 
internal heat source. The results are compared with those 
obtained from the classical parabolic heat conduction equation.
It is shown that appreciable differences can occur between the 
two models, in qualitative as well as quantitative terms. For 
large times these differences do not disappear because of the 
effect of internal heat generation.