Stefan problems for the diffusion-convection equation with temperature-dependent thermal coefficients

Abstract: Different one-phase Stefan problems for a semi-infinite slab are considered, involving a moving phase change material as well as temperature dependent thermal coefficients. Existence of at least one similarity solution is proved imposing a Dirichlet, Neumann, Robin or radiative-convective boundary condition at the fixed face. The velocity that arises in the convective term of the diffusion-convection equation is assumed to depend on temperature and time. In each case, an equivalent ordinary differential problem is obtained giving rise to a system of an integral equation coupled with a condition for the parameter that characterizes the free boundary, which is solved though a double-fixed point analysis. Some solutions for particular thermal coefficients are provided.