A source and sink method for numerical and exact solutions of Stefan problems

A source and sink method (SSM) has been reviewed in this paper. This method has been shown to be useful in the solution of phase change with singular or multiple interfaces and imposed with stationary and moving constant or time-variant conditions. Hybrid methods are also presented that combine the SSM with a complex temperature method or the finite difference method. The SSM has been shown to be useful in solving phase change due to a moving heat front. In this application, exact solutions can be obtained without reliance on the similarity transformation. Examples are provided to show some complicated problems that can be solved with the SSM. Finally, the SSM and the BEM are shown to be two methods in one, which provides the basis for combining these two for a more effective solution method in the future.