Melting behaviour of differently-sized micro-particles in a pipe flow under constant heat flux

Abstract

The melting behaviour of differently-sized micro-particles in a pipe flow under constant heat flux is analysed by using a full two-phase micro/nanomelting model of a sphere. The size effect on the melting point depression of micro/nanoparticles is modelled at the liquid–solid interface of the melting model. The boundary conditions of a single particle are constructed based on the heat flux, flow rate and axial position of the particle in slurry. The melting time and temperature evolution of liquid–solid two phase within particles are presented. The results are seen to agree with the group melting behaviour of particles, as observed via the local bulk mean temperature of the slurry in the pipe. The results can be used for design and optimisation of a heat transfer channel while utilising the latent heat effect of phase change particles in the slurry.