This paper describes a two-dimensional model which permits the evaluat
ion of the local properties during the frost formation. To achieve thi
s objective it is necessary to know the local coefficients of heat and
mass transfer which were determined by solving the flow, temperature
and humidity fields. To solve the flow field, the governing equations
were developed in terms of the stream and vorticity functions. A numer
ical solution is obtained for low Reynolds number up to 400. With the
flow field solved, the temperature and humidity fields are determined
and hence the local heat and mass coefficients, These coefficients wer
e then used in the solution of a two stage model for frost formation p
ermitting the prediction of the local frost properties around the cyli
nder such as density, thickness and temperature. (C) 1997 Elsevier Sci
ence Ltd and IIR.