A fast convergent and accurate temperature model for phase-change heat conduction

This work proposes a temperature-based finite element model for transient h eat conduction involving phase-change. Like preceding temperature-based mod els, it is characterized by the discontinuous spatial integration over the elements affected by the phase-change. Using linear triangles or tetrahedra is, integration can be performed in a closed analytical way, assuring an ex act evaluation of the discrete balance equation. Because of its uncondition al stability, an Euler-backward time-stepping scheme is implemented. A cruc ial fact is the computation of the exact tangent matrices for the Newton-Ra phson solution of the non-linear system of discretized equations. Efficienc y of the model is tested by means of the results obtained for the Neumann p roblem and the solidification of a steel ingot. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wil ey & Sons, Ltd.