Modelling phase change in a 3D thermal transient analysis

Abstract

A 3D thermal transient analysis of a gap profiling technique which utilises phase change material (plasticine) is conducted in ANSYS. Phase change is modelled by assigning enthalpy of fusion over a wide temperature range based on Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results. Temperature dependent convection is approximated using Nusselt number correlations. A parametric study is conducted on the thermal contact conductance value between the profiling device (polymer) and adjacent (metal) surfaces. Initial temperatures are established using a liner extrapolation based on experimental data. Results yield good correlation with experimental data.