Numerical Simulation of Ice Melting Near the Density Inversion Point under Periodic Thermal Boundary Conditions

Abstract

A two-dimensional numerical model has been developed to inves- tigate the phase-change of ice near 4 ˚C in a rectangular cavity. The enthalpy- porosity model is reformulated in terms of conservation equations of mass, momen- tum and heat to account for the evolution the solid/liquid interface. Constant and time-dependent (with sinusoidal law) temperature boundary conditions are consid- ered. Results confirm the possibility to control the typical dynamics of ice melting in a square cavity near the density inversion point by means of a wall temperature which varies in time (with given amplitude and frequency).