An experimental investigation of solidification in a rectangular enclosureunder constant heat rate condition

The solidification of pure n-hexadecane inside a rectangular cavity enclosu re under constant heat rate condition is investigated in this paper. The ex periments are carried out in two rectangular test rigs of aspect ratios 1 a nd 1.5. Solidification of the n-hexadecane occurs on a vertical copper wall held under constant heat rate condition while the remaining walls are adia batic. The rate of heat extraction from the vertical wall is controlled usi ng a thermoelectric cooler. The solidification experiments are conducted fo r three different heat rates at 10 W, 15 W, and 20 W with an initial liquid superheat of 9 degrees C. A rather flat solidification phase front paralle l to the cold wall is observed for all heat rates, thus indicating that the natural convection in the liquid is negligible under constant heat rate co ndition. The solidification rate is larger at higher heat rate and at lower aspect ratio. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.