Investigating Ice Nucleation and Heat Transfer Dynamics in Supercooled Liquid Water Using Thermography

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate interplay of thermography, ice nucleation, and heat transfer during the phase change from supercooled liquid water to crystallized ice. The phenomena of ice nucleation and its subsequent growth have paramount importance in various fields, including cold climate engineering, atmospheric science, cryopreservation, and refrigeration systems. Our research aims to provide deeper insights into these fundamental processes. Utilizing high-resolution, high-speed infrared thermography, we captured real-time temperature data during ice nucleation events. By analyzing these temperature profiles, we gained valuable information about the dynamics of ice nucleation. Our findings reveal the crucial role of nucleation sites, their distribution, and their impact on the overall heat transfer process. This knowledge contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of ice nucleation mechanisms. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between heat transfer and ice crystallization kinetics. Our results demonstrate that heat transfer plays a pivotal role in influencing nucleation rates and ice growth. This knowledge has implications for optimizing heat exchange processes in various industrial applications. One of the key highlights of our study is the observation of nucleation under supercooled conditions. We provide evidence of how supercooled liquid water transforms into crystalline ice, shedding light on the underlying physics and mechanisms involved. This phase change process is of significant importance in the context of cloud formation and freezing rain phenomena. In summary, our research integrates thermography, ice nucleation, and heat transfer dynamics to unravel the complexities of phase change from supercooled liquid water to crystallized ice. These findings have practical implications across multiple industries and can aid in the development of more efficient anti-/de-icing systems, refrigeration systems, improved weather prediction models, and enhanced cryopreservation techniques. Our study opens new avenues for further exploration in this field, ultimately advancing our understanding of these critical processes.