A study of a Stefan problem governed with space–time fractional derivatives

Abstract

This paper presents a fractional mathematical model of a one-dimensional phase-change problem (Stefan problem) with a variable latent-heat (a power function of position). This model includes space–time fractional derivatives in the Caputo sense and time-dependent surface-heat flux. An approximate solution of this model is obtained by using the optimal homotopy asymptotic method to find the solutions of temperature distribution in the domain 0 ≤x≤s(t) and interface's tracking or location. The results thus obtained are compared with existing exact solutions for the case of the integer order derivative at some particular values of the governing parameters. The dependency of movement of the interface on certain parameters is also studied.