Freezing processes are ubiquitous in both natural phenomena and engineering applications, yet their accurate prediction remains complex across multiple spatiotemporal scales. In this study, a novel peridynamic (PD) framework for transient heat conduction with solid–liquid phase change is developed and systematically verified. The enthalpy method is integrated into the discrete PD formulation to model freezing and melting processes within a unified framework. Governing equations are established for Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates, and higher-dimensional problems are analytically reduced to one-dimensional or quasi-one-dimensional forms under symmetry conditions to improve computational efficiency without compromising physical accuracy. Explicit relationships between PD micro-conductivity and macroscopic thermal conductivity are derived for different geometries by imposing non-self-interaction constraints, providing a rigorous basis for parameter calibration. The proposed model is verified with the analytical solution of the classical Stefan problem and conventional numerical solutions, ensuring its accuracy. Applications to phase change materials (PCMs) with diverse thermophysical properties further corroborate the generality, stability, and robustness of the framework. The developed approach offers a consistent and computationally efficient non-local modeling tool for phase change heat transfer and thermal energy storage systems. • Integration of the enthalpy method into peridynamics for solid–liquid phase change problems. • Formulated and developed 1D equivalent PD models for Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates. • New relationships derived between micro-conductivity and macroscopic thermal properties for phase change. • Verified with the analytical and conventional numerical solutions and applied to PCMs for energy storage.
Yang et al. (Thu,) studied this question.