This paper introduces an analytical model capable of predicting the location of solidification front as well as the full solidification time for heterogeneous materials such as close-celled metallic foams. Full numerical simulations with the method of finite difference are separately conducted to validate the analytical model. The model predicts that an increase in porosity causes significant retardation of full solidification as a result of decreased effective thermal conductivity and diffusivity of the porous medium. Effects of pore shape and cooling temperature on overall solidification behavior were also studied. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.