The numerical solution of Stefan problems with front-tracking and smoothing methods

The numerical performance of some computer methods for heat transfer with change of phase is discussed. For one-dimensional problems the application of invariant imbedding to time-discretized problems is suggested. For some multidimensional problems an absorption of the phase transition process into the diffusion equation through the so-called enthalpy transformation is advocated. If this transformation is not applicable, a locally one-dimensional Gauss-Seidel-type front-tracking method coupled with invariant imbedding is effective.