A study of frost nucleation on flat surfaces

This paper advances an investigation on the frost nucleation on flat surfaces. The study focuses on the relevant parameters affecting the frost formation process, i.e., the surrounding air temperature and humidity, and the surface conditions (temperature, roughness and contact angle). The process of ice crystal nucleation was investigated both theoretically and experimentally in order to provide the physical basis for a criterion for predicting the occurrence of frost nucleation as a function of the operating conditions and surface characteristics. A mathematical model for the heterogeneous frost nucleation on smooth surfaces was put forward based on the classical nucleation theory. Experiments were carried out using a purpose-built apparatus to acquire data to validate the model. When compared to in-house as well as independent experimental data, the model predictions showed a good level of agreement.