Numerical investigation of enhanced PCM melting performance using a thermally conductive fin in a pneumatic-based extrusion system

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive numerical investigation into enhancing phase change material (PCM) melting performance by incorporating a thermally conductive fin within a pneumatic-based extrusion system. The PCM is used in the liquefier chamber of additive manufacturing, where efficient heat transfer is essential for improving melting performance. The study evaluates the effects of fin addition, inclination angles, and varying heat flux inputs on the melting process. Key performance indicators, including the melting fraction and enhancement ratio, are used to quantify the influence of different configurations. Results indicate that adding a fin significantly accelerates the melting process by enhancing conduction and natural convection within the chamber. Higher input heat flux further enhances heat distribution and decreases melting time, indicating a proportional relationship with melting performance while affecting only the maximum temperature, not the final melting area in the enclosure. An optimal fin inclination angle of θ = 10° achieves a marked reduction in melting time compared to the finless configuration. An empirical correlation is derived to predict the time saved based on the fin inclination angle, optimizing the system. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing heat transfer, particularly in biomedical engineering, and offer a foundation for practical implementations.