The melting of n-octadecane that is discretely heated at a constant rate from one side of an enclosure with inside dimensions of 100 mm X 60 mm X 50 mm was investigated experimentally. The other surfaces were subjected to adiabatic conditions. The time-dependent solid-liquid interface shape was recorded photographically during the melting process. Experimental results show that natural convection has a significant effect on the shape of the solid-liquid interface and the effect becomes more pronounced with increasing Stefan number. The effect of subcooling on the melting process is also described, and an empirical correlation predicting the relationship between the liquid phase fraction and subcooling is given.
