NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF MELTING INSIDE A CYLINDRICAL ANNULUS.

A two-dimensional numerical simulation of the outward melting process of a phase change material (n-octadecane) contained in a horizontal cylindrical annulus has been performed via a finite-difference solution of the governing partial differential equations. Both conduction and natural convection have been taken into account. Numerical results have been obtained for a Rayleigh number up to Ra equals 2. 4 multiplied by 10**5, the ratio of the radius of the outer cylinder to that of the inner cylinder in a range of 1. 6-3. 0, and the subcooling parameter up to 0. 35 with Ste equals 0. 113. Results of the simulation are examined in light of effects of both natural convection in the melt region and/or subcooling in the solid region on the time-variation of the melting front during the process.