Numerical-experimental analysis of frost formation on copper flat plates

Resumo

In the present work, a numerical-experimental analysis of frost formation on copper flat plates was
performed. The process of formation of frost is a physical phenomenon that occurs through the change of phase
by resublimation, in which a flow of moist air solidifies when it comes into contact with surfaces with temperatures
below 0°C, which occurs in various equipment present in refrigeration processes. Such accumulation gives rise to
a porous structure, acting as a thermal insulator, decreasing the heat transfer rate from the surface and the efficiency
of the cooling systems. A low-cost experimental apparatus was developed, enabling an experimental analysis of
the phenomenon under study. Through numerical simulations, based on a mathematical model of this phenomenon,
it was possible to determine the frost thickness. The numerical-experimental analysis demonstrates measurements
and simulations of the frost thickness as a function of the elapsed time. The numerical results were in good
agreement with the experimental results.