Advances in Numerical Methods for Phase-Change Heat and Mass Transfer

Phase-change phenomena involving heat and mass transfer are fundamental to numerous engineering applications, such as cooling systems, advanced manufacturing processes, and energy storage solutions. Accurate numerical modeling and simulation have become vital tools in investigating these complex phenomena, offering detailed insights into interactions that are challenging to observe experimentally. Emerging numerical methods, including phase-field modeling, the lattice Boltzmann method, and various computational frameworks, have shown considerable promise in simulating intricate interface dynamics and characteristic multiphase flows during phase transitions. Despite recent advances, challenges persist in accurately capturing the intricate interfacial dynamics and coupled heat and mass transfer processes, with concerns around numerical stability, accuracy, and computational efficiency.

This Research Topic explores advances in numerical methods for phase-change heat and mass transfer. The primary goal is to consolidate recent advancements and foster the development of innovative numerical methodologies that improve the simulation and prediction capabilities of complex phase-change phenomena involving heat and mass transfer. This collection strives to bridge existing knowledge gaps, facilitate the development of robust and efficient computational frameworks, and provide insights to support progress across various engineering disciplines.

Contributions from interdisciplinary research fields are encouraged to facilitate knowledge exchange, accelerate methodological advancement, and promote the integration of state-of-the-art numerical methods into practical engineering solutions, such as thermal management and energy storage technologies.

This Research Topic invites Original Research articles, Reviews/Mini-Reviews, and Perspectives focused on advanced numerical methods for phase-change heat and mass transfer. Contributions highlighting new computational frameworks, advanced numerical techniques, and validation efforts that address challenges in interfacial dynamics, multiphase flow, and coupled heat and mass transfer are particularly welcome.

Areas within the scope of this Research Topic include:
• Novel numerical methods for modeling phase transitions
• Coupled multiphysics simulations of heat and mass transport
• Numerical solutions for enhanced stability, accuracy, and computational efficiency
• Multiscale and multiphase modeling strategies
• Rigorous validation against experimental or benchmark data
• Numerical investigations of practical engineering applications involving phase-change phenomena, such as cooling, advanced manufacturing, and energy storage.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: phase-change processes, heat transfer, mass transfer, computational fluid dynamics, phase-field modeling, lattice Boltzmann method

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.