ABSTRACT
Phase-Change Heat Transfer
8.1 Introduction
Heat transfer problems involving a change-of-phase due to melting or freezing
processes are becoming increasingly important. Solutions to these problems
may nd application in the ablation of missile skins, improved methods for
solidication of castings, growth of pure crystals from melts and solutions,
and in purication of various materials. It should be noted that melting of
ice and freezing of water are well known. However, there seems to be less
awareness of the fact that almost all man-made objects involve melting and
solidication at some stage of manufacturing. Some important processes that
involve solidication include casting (continuous, die, form, ingot, precision),
rapid solidication processing, welding, soldering/brazing and directional so-
lidication.
