A Comparative Study of Constrained and Unconstrained Melting Inside a Sphere

Abstract

Present study is focused on the computational analysis of melting of PCM inside the spherical capsule. Both unconstrained and constrained melting is analyzed for the constant PCM volume and similar initial and boundary conditions. RT27 is chosen as the PCM for this study. Air is considered at the top of PCM inside the spherical capsule. Results are validated with the existing experimental and computational results and found to be in good agreement. Results obtained from present study are compared for the melting fraction, pattern and time. Composite diagrams are presented for the streamline and temperature contours.