Research Initiation Award: Stability of Phase Change Fronts in Coupled Transport

采用一种新的自适应变形混合变量有限元方法，对含自然对流的多孔介质中的暂态相变过程进行了二维稳定性分析。从计算工作中得出的标准将通过永久冻土的形成和融化的实验研究来验证。根据这项研究制定的标准将适用于几种类型的移动前沿问题，如熔化/冻结Stefon问题、半导体晶体生长、关键部件的焊接以及地下水中有毒污染物的传输。

A new adaptively deforming mixed variable finite element method will be used for a two-dimensional stability analysis of transient phase change processes in porous media with natural convection. Criteria developed from the computational work will be verified by experimental studies of formation and thawing of permafrost. Criteria developed from the study will be applicable to several types of moving front problems such as melting/freezing Stefon problems, growth of semiconductor crystals, welding of critical components, and transport of toxic contaminants in ground water.