Phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann method for containerless freezing

In this paper we first propose a phase-field model for the containerless freezing problems, in which the volume expansion or shrinkage of the liquid caused by the density change during the phase change process is considered by adding a mass source term to the continuum equation. Then a phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann (LB) method is further developed to simulate solid-liquid phase change phenomena in multiphase systems. We test the developed LB method by the problem of conduction-induced freezing in a semi-infinite space, the three-phase Stefan problem, and the droplet solidification on a cold surface, and the numerical results are in agreement with the analytical and experimental solutions. In addition, the LB method is also used to study the rising bubbles with solidification. The results of the present method not only accurately capture the effect of bubbles on the solidification process, but also are in agreement with the previous work. Finally, a parametric study is carried out to examine the influences of some physical parameters on the sessile droplet solidification, and it is found that the time of droplet solidification increases with the increase of droplet volume and contact angle.