A SIMPLE LEVEL SET METHOD FOR SOLVING STEFAN-PROBLEMS

A simple level set method for solving Stefan problems is presented. Th is method can be applied to problems involving dendritic solidificatio n. Our method consists of an implicit finite difference scheme for sol ving the heat equation and a level set approach for capturing the fron t between solid and liquid phases of a pure substance. Our method is a ccurate with respect to some exact solutions of the Stefan problem. Re sults indicate that this method can handle topology changes and compli cated interfacial shapes and that it can numerically simulate many of the physical features of dendritic solidification. (C) 1997 Academic P ress.