ON THE ENTHALPY METHOD

Abstract

Two common fixed grid enthalpy methods used in the numerical modelling of phase change problems are the apparent heat capacity and the source based methods. In this paper, a general enthalpy method that includes as subsets both apparent heat capacity and source based methods, is derived. Following this, an optimal enthalpy scheme is identified. The superiority of the optimal scheme over the apparent heat capacity and the source based schemes is illustrated by solving sample phase change problems.