A numerical method for predicting crystal micro-structure

The numerical solution of the Stefan problem in a two-dimensional region is considered using a boundary integral technique. Hear flow bath ahead of and behind the front is included This numerical formulation is found to have a number of advantages over finite difference and finite element techniques. For example, complex boundaries can be considered and the discretisation of the Stefan condition is not needed The numerical method is also extended from that of previous work to enable the front to be found when the ratio of the thermal diffusivities of the liquid phase to the solid phase is large. Using a simple model of crystal growth in a freezing material the numerical scheme will be used to predict crystal size in a frozen material Predictions using this model will be compared with experimental results. (C) 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc.