Phase change in a three‐dimensional rectangular cavity under electromagnetically simulated low‐gravity: Side wall heating

Abstract

Purpose

To demonstrate, through numerical models, that it is possible to simulated low‐gravity phase change (melting), of an electrically conducting material (gallium), in terrestrial conditions via the application of electromagnetic fields.

Design/methodology/approach

A complete three‐dimensional mathematical formulation governing a phase change process in the presence of an electromagnetic field has been developed. In addition a comprehensive parametric study has been completed to study the various effects of gravity, Stefan number, Hartmann number and electromagnetic pressure number upon the phase change process.

Findings

The results show that the application of an electromagnetic filed can be used to simulate key melting characteristics found for actual low‐gravity. However, the resulting three‐dimensional flow field in the melted region differs from actual low‐gravity. The application of an electromagnetic field creates a flow phenomenon not found in actual low‐gravity or previously seen in two‐dimensional problems.

Research limitations/implications

Future work may include the use of oscillating electromagnetic fields to enhance convection in energy storage systems in a low‐gravity environment.

Practical implications

The ability to suppress unwanted convective flows in a phase change process without the high magnetic fields necessary in magnetic field only suppression systems.

Originality/value

This work fills a void in the literature related to conducting fluids and the effects of magnetic and electromagnetic fields.

Citation

Veilleux, D.L., Gonçalves, E., Faghri, M., Asako, Y. and Charmchi, M. (2005), "Phase change in a three‐dimensional rectangular cavity under electromagnetically simulated low‐gravity: Side wall heating", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 15 No. 7, pp. 710-739. https://doi.org/10.1108/09615530510613898