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A Numerical Model for the Cooling of a Lava Sill with Heat Pipe Effects

Techniques and Methods 13-B2
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/tm13B2

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Abstract

Understanding the cooling process of volcanic intrusions into wet sediments is a difficult but important problem, given the presence of extremely large temperature gradients and potentially complex water-magma interactions. This report presents a numerical model to study such interactions, including the effect of heat pipes on the cooling of volcanic intrusions. Udell (1985) has shown that heat pipes may develop in heated saturated granular media under laboratory conditions. In previous work, Baker and others (2015) calculated temperatures in the vicinity of a volcanic sill that intruded into wet sediment, showing an unexpected temperature profile in which peak temperatures remained near constant over a region extending a meter above and below the sill. This is challenging to explain with conduction or convection heating methods but is predicted if the heat transfer is performed primarily by a heat pipe. We have numerically modeled the cooling of a lava sill under similar circumstances, using the experimental findings of Udell (1985) to estimate the characteristics of the heat pipe. We have constructed a model using Microsoft C#.NET, complete with an intuitive graphical user interface. The model is available from the U.S. Geological Survey and is capable of being run on Microsoft Windows 7 and higher with modest hardware. We find that the resulting overall temperature profile has some key similarities to the profile inferred by Baker and others (2015). Future models including more detailed convective heat transfer physics will be necessary to fully reproduce the effects of boiling in sediments.

Suggested Citation

Williams, K.E., Dundas, C.M., and Kestay, L.P., 2021, A numerical model for the cooling of a lava sill with heat pipe effects: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 13, chap. B2, 14 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm13B2.

ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Abstract  
  • Introduction and Motivation  
  • Model Description  
  • Model Usage  
  • Example 
  • Summary  
  • References Cited 
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A numerical model for the cooling of a lava sill with heat pipe effects
Series title Techniques and Methods
Series number 13-B2
DOI 10.3133/tm13B2
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Astrogeology Science Center
Description v, 14 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details