Cryopreservation analysis considering degree of crystallisation using fuzzy arithmetic

Abstract

This article presents numerical modelling of the heat transfer process in a sample during cryopreservation by vitrification in a microfluidic system. Single-phase flow of the working fluid in the microchannels during warming was considered, while two-phase flow during cooling. The mathematical model is based on the Fourier equation with a source term that takes into account the degree of ice crystallisation. Fuzzy thermophysical parameters were assumed in the model. The problem was solved by the finite difference method and the fourth-order Runge-Kutta algorithm, using the concept of α -cuts. The results of numerical simulation were compared with the results from the literature.