Circular objects do not melt the slowest in water
Rui Yang, Thijs van den Ham, Roberto Verzicco, Detlef Lohse, Sander G. Huisman
Abstract
We investigate an ice block melting in a box and reveal that the aspect ratio and ambient temperature play a crucial role in the melting process, leading to substantial variations in melt rates and shape evolution. In general, the shape which melts the slowest is quite distinct from that of a disk, due to the symmetry breaking by buoyancy-driven thermal convection. Predicting their melting rates is crucial for understanding the interplay between melting icebergs with the climate.
Topics & Concepts
BuoyancyConvectionThermalMaterials scienceMechanicsSymmetry (geometry)GeologyThermodynamicsPhysicsGeometryMathematicsCryospheric studies and observationsnanoparticles nucleation surface interactionsIcing and De-icing Technologies