On the convergence of the heat balance integral method

Abstract

Convergence properties are established for the piecewise linear heat balance integral solution of a benchmark moving boundary problem, thus generalising earlier results [Numer. Heat Transfer 8 (1985) 373]. A convergence rate of O(n¿1) is identified with minor effects at large values of the Stefan number ß (slow interface movement). The correct O(n¿1/2) behaviour for incident heat flux is recovered for ß ¿ 0 (pure heat conduction) as previously found [Numer. Heat Transfer 8 (1985) 373¿382]. Numerical illustrations support the theoretical findings.