An Experimental Facility for the Investigation of the Two-Dimensional Stef an Problem

An experimental facility which can be used to provide detailed temperature field measurements of a phase change material experiencing two-dimensional energy transport is described. The test geometry is a rectangular metallic container containing a phase change material, with the container heated or cooled on one surface of the boundary. The remaining three surfaces are adiabatic. The cell is centrally located, with two identical cells on each side that act as guard cells and also simulate an environment in which internal fins penetrate a phase change material contained between two wall panels. A matrix of 49 thermocouples suspended within the phase change material is used to obtain the temperature data. Facilitation is provided for visual observation of the twodimensional phase front propagation within the domain. Results are presented for the eicosane-aluminum material combination for a fixed geometry and for various rates of heating.