Visualization of dendritic ice growth in supercooled water inside cylindrical capsules

An experimental device was developed to study dendritic ice growth in supercooled water inside cylindrical capsules. The capsule materials investigated were acrylic, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), bronze and aluminum. The internal diameter of all the capsules was 45 mm. The results indicate that dendritic ice appears only in supercooled water at the start of nucleation. Blockage by dendritic ice growth was classified according to the capsule material and the coolant temperature. Total blockage (100%) and partial blockage (25%, 50% and 75%) was observed. Dendritic ice growth was shown and analyzed in photographic sequences.