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Solidification dynamics of a hollow droplet under forced convection in a containerless environment

Binh D. Pham, Truong V. Vu, Thuc V. Yen
Author affiliations

Authors

  • Binh D. Pham \(^1\) Faculty of Vehicle and Energy Engineering, Phenikaa School of Engineering, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Truong V. Vu \(^1\) Faculty of Vehicle and Energy Engineering, Phenikaa School of Engineering,\\ Phenikaa University, Hanoi, Vietnam}
    \(^2\) Phenikaa Research and Technology Institute (PRATI), A\&A Green Phoenix Group, Hoang Ngan, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Thuc V. Yen \(^1\) Faculty of Vehicle and Energy Engineering, Phenikaa School of Engineering, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, Vietnam
    \(^3\) Institute of Mechanical and Power Engineering, University of Transport Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam     https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9905-3157

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15625/0866-7136/23792

Keywords:

solidification dynamics, hollow droplet, forced convection, front-tracking method

Abstract

The solidification of suspended hollow droplets is a phenomenon commonly encountered in both natural systems and industrial applications. In this study, we investigate the containerless solidification process of hollow droplets subjected to forced flows, utilizing the front-tracking method - a robust method for simulating multi-phase flow dynamics. Our findings indicate that key parameters, such as the Weber number ($We$), the solid-to-liquid thermal conductivity ratio ($k_{sl}$), and the gas-to-liquid viscosity ratio ($\mu_{gl}$), have an impact on both the solidification rate of the advancing front and the final geometric characteristics of the droplets. The inner ($Ar_i$) and outer ($Ar_0$) aspect ratios of the droplets are strongly influenced by these parameters during the solidification process. The study covers a wide range of parameter values, with $We$ and $k_{sl}$ varying from 0.125 to 4, and $\mu_{gl}$ spanning from 0.0125 to 0.4. By analyzing the effects of these parameters, we provide deeper insights into the complex interplay of thermal and flow properties that govern the solidification process. These results not only enhance our understanding of phase change mechanisms in containerless environments but also offer valuable implications for material processing and the development of advanced manufacturing technologies.

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Published

03-07-2026

How to Cite

Pham, B. D., Vu, T. V., & Yen, T. V. (2026). Solidification dynamics of a hollow droplet under forced convection in a containerless environment. Vietnam Journal of Mechanics. https://doi.org/10.15625/0866-7136/23792

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