Ice melting in an oscillatory flow

Abstract

We investigate the melting dynamics of an ice disk subjected to an external oscillatory flow using two-dimensional direct numerical simulations, in the absence of buoyancy, varying the flow amplitude and its oscillation frequency. We identify two distinct regimes governed by the interplay between advection and diffusion within the boundary layer. For slow oscillations, the melting process is well described by an effective steady flow, where a description based on classical forced convection is applicable. For fast oscillations the melting time increases significantly and approaches the diffusion limit regime, as a result of the oscillatory flow being unable to renew the fluid within the oscillating boundary layer, causing cold meltwater to accumulate near the interface and reducing heat transfer.