Abstract
When a humid air stream is brought into contact with a cooled surface at a temperature below the dew and freezing points, frosting (ablimation) will occur on the surface. The study of the early stage of frost formation is a crucial step towards improving anti-frost techniques. In this study, we present a fast high-resolution non-invasive technique for in situ characterization of the frost layer. We have been able to visualize quantitatively the frost evolution under forced convection conditions over horizontal flat surfaces with unprecedented resolution using real time Scanning Confocal Microscopy (SCM). Employing a temperature-controlled millimeter-size wind-tunnel placed under the microscope objective, frost is visualized as it forms on substrates mimicking flat fin surfaces. Measurements and imaging of the early phase of frost have been performed for two aluminum substrates, and combinations of substrate temperatures and air flow rates. The unprecedented spatial resolution achieved with SCM allows the close observation and quantification of a number of non-equilibrium phenomena near frost inception.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 8 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Paper) |
| State | Published - 1995 |
| Event | Proceedings of the 1995 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition - San Francisco, CA, USA Duration: Nov 12 1995 → Nov 17 1995 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Mechanical Engineering