Coupled effects of shell geometry and heater eccentricity on n-eicosane melting: An enthalpy-based lattice Boltzmann study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: An enthalpy-based two-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model is used to study the melting of n-eicosane in three shell geometries—elliptical, circular, and square—heated by an internal cylinder with different downward offsets. Three interfacial treatments (PSM, VLB, and PBB) are first evaluated using the benchmark differentially heated square-cavity melting problem, and PSM is selected due to its superior agreement with reference data. The validated framework is then applied to shell-and-tube configurations with eccentricities of 0, 2.5, and 5 mm. At early times, melting is similar across all cases and remains largely conduction-controlled. As the liquid region expands, buoyancy-driven convection intensifies and accelerates melting in the upper part of the enclosure, leading to clear geometry- and offset-dependent interface evolution once the front approaches the outer boundary. At late times, the interface tends to become nearly horizontal and the bottom region melts slowly because convective circulation has limited penetration. For all shell shapes, a downward heater offset shortens the total melting time, and the minimum melting duration is obtained for the elliptical shell with a 5 mm offset. Overall, natural convection governs the melting dynamics, while heat conduction remains non-negligible, and the combined effects of shell geometry and heater placement dictate the heat-transfer pathways and melting performance.
Authors: Peng Ding, Yuxiang Zou
Institution: China University of Petroleum, East China
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,560
OpenAlex ID: W7143600882