Modeling two-ways fluid-solid phase transitions in lava using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics

Abstract

Phase transitions are a key phenomenon in the evolution of lava flows, significantly influencing their emplacement and the formation of geological features such as lava channels and lava tubes. Here, a numerical model employing Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) to simulate two-way phase transitions between solid and fluid states in lava is presented. By accurately representing the solidification dynamics and incorporating a temperature range that accounts for the solidus and liquidus temperatures, the model addresses limitations in previous approaches that relied on oversimplified phase transition assumptions. We validate the model against Stefan’s benchmark test case and apply it to two illustrative volcanic scenarios using artificial volcanic-like environments,
demonstrating how the model effectively captures the processes of solidification and fusion within the modeled lava flow. The results underscore the importance of phase transition modeling in understanding the complex behavior of lava flows in real-world volcanic contexts.