Abstract: A kind of three layered 32-node temperature shell element is presented for the transient temperature fieldFEM analysis of the honeycomb sandwich composite shell. The temperature distribution in the thickness direction of thetop and bottom face sheets and the core layer was assumed , respectively , to satisfy the thermal boundary conditions of thetop and bottom surfaces and the condition of continuous temperature at the interfaces and to reduce the total number of thedegrees of freedom. The considered thermal boundary conditions on the inner and outer surfaces of the shell may includeheat flux , convection and radiation at the same time. The post processing was carried out so that the temperature distribution in the core layer also satisfies the condition of continuous heat flux at the interfaces and the accuracy of the temperature result is further improved. Two examples are provided to show the reliability and validity of the element .