LAUSR

Abstract A phase change is a typical discontinuous problem that occurs when phase interfaces move. This discontinuity can be modeled using the numerical manifold method according to the new implementation described in this study. This study begins by explaining basic concepts, such as a mathematical element, mathematical cover, manifold element, and physical cover. Formulations are then derived for the phase change problem and a technique is also proposed for tackling the problem of moving phase interfaces via the creation and/or destruction of manifold elements and physical covers. Finally, practical examples are given to validate the new implementation. The present study shows that when solving phase change problems in either a regular domain or irregular domain, the numerical manifold method can smoothly capture the phase interfaces during the phase change process with a regular mesh to give highly satisfactory numerical results.