Modeling of melting with solid bulk motion

The present work deals with a novel numerical method for modeling solid-liquid phase change problems. The new method involves a full solution of the conservation equations, namely, continuity, momentum and energy on a fixed grid via the enthalpy method. This approach allows proper coupling between the enthalpy method and the solid bulk motion. Two physical effects are investigated: sinking of the solid bulk at a constant velocity and natural convection in the melt. The separate effect of each of these phenomena is tested, and also the effect of both of them combined together. It is found that the melting patterns are completely different for each one of the cases. However, sinking at the chosen, relatively low, velocity does not affect significantly the melting rate.