| Abstract: | A finite element computer model was used to predict temperature distribution and time-temperature history for frozen food products when subjected to fluctuating storage conditions. Satisfactory agreement was obtained between computer predicted values and experimental data recorded from commercial ice cream and a model system. A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the effects of product properties on temperature predictions. The model takes into account thawing, convective and radiative heat gain from the surroundings, and variable thermal properties below the freezing point. |
