Solution of the Phase Change Stefan Problem With Time-Dependent Heat Flux Using Perturbation Method

2018 ◽  
Vol 141 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Parhizi ◽  
Ankur Jain

Theoretical understanding of phase change heat transfer problems is of much interest for multiple engineering applications. Exact solutions for phase change heat transfer problems are often not available, and approximate analytical methods are needed to be used. This paper presents a solution for a one-dimensional (1D) phase change problem with time-dependent heat flux boundary condition using the perturbation method. Two different expressions for propagation of the phase change front are derived. For the special case of constant heat flux, the present solution is shown to offer key advantages over past papers. Specifically, the present solution results in greater accuracy and does not diverge at large times unlike past results. The theoretical result is used for understanding the nature of phase change propagation for linear and periodic heat flux boundary conditions. In addition to improving the theoretical understanding of phase change heat transfer problems, these results may contribute toward design of phase change based thermal management for a variety of engineering applications, such as cooling of Li-ion batteries.

2015 ◽  
Vol 138 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Q. Cai ◽  
Avijit Bhunia

In a heat pipe, operating fluid saturates wick structures system and establishes a capillary-driven circulation loop for heat transfer. Thus, the thermophysical properties of the operating fluid inevitably impact the transitions of phase-change mode and the capability of heat transfer, which determine both the design and development of the associated heat pipe systems. This article investigates the effect of liquid properties on phase-change heat transfer. Two different copper wick structures, cubic and cylindrical in cross section, 340 μm in height and 150 μm in diameter or width, are fabricated using an electroplating technique. The phase-change phenomena inside these wick structures are observed at various heat fluxes. The corresponding heat transfer characteristics are measured for three different working liquids: water, ethanol, and Novec 7200. Three distinct modes of the phase-change process are identified: (1) evaporation on liquid–vapor interface, (2) nucleate boiling with interfacial evaporation, and (3) boiling enhanced interface evaporation. Transitions between the three modes depend on heat flux and liquid properties. In addition to the mode transition, liquid properties also dictate the maximum heat flux and the heat transfer coefficient. A quantitative characterization shows that the maximum heat flux scales with Merit number, a dimensionless number connecting liquid density, surface tension, latent heat of vaporization, and viscosity. The heat transfer coefficient, on the other hand, is dictated by the thermal conductivity of the liquid. A complex interaction between the mode transition and liquid properties is reflected in Novec 7200. In spite of having the lowest thermal conductivity among the three liquids, an early transition to the mode of the boiling enhanced interface evaporation leads to a higher heat transfer coefficient at low heat flux.


2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christophe Frankiewicz ◽  
Daniel Attinger

Solid–fluid interfaces switching from a superhydrophilic to a superhydrophobic wetting state are desired for their ability to control and enhance phase-change heat transfer. Typically, these functional surfaces are fabricated from polymers and modify their chemistry or texture upon the application of a stimulus. For integration in relevant phase-change heat transfer applications, several challenges need to be overcome, of chemical stability, mechanical and thermal robustness, as well as large scale manufacturing. Here, we describe the design and fabrication of metallic surfaces that reversibly switch between hydrophilic and superhydrophobic states, in response to pressure and temperature stimuli. Characterization of the surfaces in pool boiling experiments verifies their thermal and mechanical robustness, and the fabrication method is scalable to large areas. During pool boiling experiments, it is experimentally demonstrated that the functional surfaces can be actively switched between a high-efficiency mode suitable at low heat flux, and a high-power mode suitable for high heat flux applications.


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