The influence of bubble departure characteristics on CHF prediction at high-pressure conditions

• Published in: Case studies in thermal engineering Vol. 22; p. 100735
• Main Authors: Vadlamudi, Sai Raja Gopal, Nayak, Arun K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2020; Elsevier
• Subjects: Bubble departure diameter prediction; CFD modeling; CHF prediction; Critical heat flux; Subcooled boiling modeling; CHF prediction; CFD modeling; Subcooled boiling modeling; Bubble departure diameter prediction; Critical heat flux
• ISSN: 2214-157X; 2214-157X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2020.100735

The two-fluid Eulerian model, coupled with the heat flux partitioning model, is being widely used to predict subcooled flow boiling characteristics and critical heat flux (CHF). The heat flux partitioning model relies on essential parameters like bubble departure diameter, departure frequency, and nucleation site density. Mainly, performing experiments to determine bubble departure diameters and frequencies is challenging. Another approach is to use semi-mechanistic models; however, even such models rely on some crucial parameters like advancing contact angle, receding contact angle, contact diameter, and many others. In this study, the influence of such parameters, and the role of different forces in determining bubble departure diameters and departure frequencies, at high-pressure conditions is studied. Moreover, a parametric analysis is carried to understand the influence of such parameters on CHF prediction.