Learning Forum

[25wm4123]

I understand that ANSYS Fluent includes a solidification/melting model based on the enthalpy method for the carrier phase.
However, I would like to ask whether it is possible to model solid–liquid phase change (melting and solidification) of discrete particles when using the Discrete Phase Model (DPM).

Specifically, my goal is to simulate the heat transfer between particles and the carrier fluid, where each particle undergoes phase change and releases or absorbs latent heat during melting or solidification.

I have seen that such simulations are sometimes mentioned in contexts such as:

• Laser additive manufacturing (metal powder melting and solidification)

• Spray cooling or droplet solidification processes

Are these kinds of DPM-based phase-change simulations actually feasible in Fluent?
If so, are they handled through standard models, or do they require User-Defined Functions (UDFs) or other customization methods?

I would appreciate any clarification or related reference materials.

[SRP]

Hi,

Modeling solid–liquid phase change (melting and solidification) of discrete particles using the Discrete Phase Model (DPM) in ANSYS Fluent is possible, but it is not handled by a standard, built-in DPM phase-change model. Instead, such simulations—where each particle undergoes melting or solidification and exchanges latent heat with the carrier fluid—require customization using User-Defined Functions (UDFs).

You can use the UDF, for more detail on UDF please check user manual: 2.5. Discrete Phase Model (DPM) DEFINE Macros