An accuracy analysis of the front tracking method and interface capturing methods for the solution of heat transfer problems with phase changes

Abstract

Materials undergoing a phase change have a number of applications in practice and engineering. Computer simulation tools are often used for investigation of such heat transfer problems with phase changes since they are fast and relatively not expensive. However, a crucial issue is the accuracy of these simulation tools. Numerical methods from the interface capturing category are frequently applied. Such approaches, however, allow for only approximate tracking of the interface between the phases. The paper presents an accuracy analysis and comparison of two widely used interface capturing methods—the enthalpy and the effective heat capacity methods—with the front tracking algorithm. A paraffin-based phase change material is assumed in the study. Computational results show that the front tracking algorithm provides a significantly higher accuracy level than the considered interface capturing methods.Materials undergoing a phase change have a number of applications in practice and engineering. Computer simulation tools are often used for investigation of such heat transfer problems with phase changes since they are fast and relatively not expensive. However, a crucial issue is the accuracy of these simulation tools. Numerical methods from the interface capturing category are frequently applied. Such approaches, however, allow for only approximate tracking of the interface between the phases. The paper presents an accuracy analysis and comparison of two widely used interface capturing methods—the enthalpy and the effective heat capacity methods—with the front tracking algorithm. A paraffin-based phase change material is assumed in the study. Computational results show that the front tracking algorithm provides a significantly higher accuracy level than the considered interface capturing methods.