A semi-empirical correlation for the frost density

A first-principles model for predicting the evolution of the porosity of a frost layer over time was advanced. The theoretical model was used together with experimental data obtained elsewhere to put forward a semi-empirical correlation for the frost density as a function of the time, and the modified Jakob number, which carries information about the thermodynamic conditions of the air stream and the chilled surface. When compared to experimental data, the proposed correlation showed errors within +/- 10% bounds. Comparisons with other frost density correlations available in the open literature are also reported. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.