Experimental investigation of frequency and amplitude of density wave oscillations in vertical upflow boiling.

Historically, study of two-phase flow instabilities has been arguably one of the most challenging endeavors in heat transfer literature due to the wide range of instabilities systems can manifest depending on differences in operating conditions and flow geometry. This study utilizes experimental results for vertical upflow boiling of FC-72 in a rectangular channel with finite inlet quality to investigate Density Wave Oscillations (DWOs) and assess their potential impact on design of two-phase systems for future space missions. High-speed flow visualization image sequences are presented and used to directly relate the cyclical passage of High and Low Density Fronts (HDFs and LDFs) to dominant low-frequency oscillations present in transient pressure signals commonly attributed to DWOs.

Mechanistic model to predict frequency and amplitude of Density Wave Oscillations in vertical upflow boiling.

Modeling of two-phase flow transient behavior and instabilities has traditionally been one of the more challenging endeavors in heat transfer research due to the need to distinguish between a wide range of instability modes systems can manifest depending on differences in operating conditions, as well as the difficulty in experimentally determining key characteristics of these phenomena. This study presents a new mechanistic model for Density Wave Oscillations (DWOs) in vertical upflow boiling using conclusions drawn from analysis of flow visualization images and transient experimental results as a basis from which to begin modeling. Counter to many prior studies attributing DWOs to feedback effects between flow rate, pressure drop, and flow enthalpy causing oscillations in position of the bulk boiling boundary, the present instability mode stems primarily from body force acting on liquid and vapor phases in a separated flow regime leading to liquid accumulation in the near-inlet region of the test section, which eventually departs and moves along the channel, acting to re-wet liquid film along the channel walls and re-establish annular, co-current flow.

Flow condensation pressure oscillations at different orientations.

Investigation of two-phase flow dynamic behavior and instabilities has traditionally centered on phenomena present in boiling flows due to the safety critical nature of boiling in a variety of cooling applications. Analysis of pressure signals in condensing systems reveal the presence of relevant oscillatory phenomena during flow condensation as well, which may impact performance in applications concerned with precise system control. Towards this end, the present study presents results for oscillatory behavior observed in pressure measurements during flow condensation of FC-72 in a smooth circular tube in vertical upflow, vertical downflow, and horizontal flow orientations.

Experimental investigation into the impact of density wave oscillations on flow boiling system dynamic behavior and stability.

In order to better understand and quantify the effect of instabilities in systems utilizing flow boiling heat transfer, the present study explores dynamic results for pressure drop, mass velocity, thermodynamic equilibrium quality, and heated wall temperature to ascertain and analyze the dominant modes in which they oscillate. Flow boiling experiments are conducted for a range of mass velocities with both subcooled and saturated inlet conditions in vertical upflow, vertical downflow, and horizontal flow orientations. High frequency pressure measurements are used to investigate the influence of individual flow loop components (flow boiling module, pump, pre-heater, condenser, ) on dynamic behavior of the fluid, with fast Fourier transforms of the same used to provide critical frequency domain information.

Assessment of body force effects in flow condensation, Part I: Experimental investigation of liquid film behavior for different orientations.

Body force effects in flow condensation vary depending on channel orientation and fluid mass velocity, making the design of systems intended to operate in multiple orientations more complicated than those at a fixed orientation. This study examines the effects of body force on liquid film development for flow condensation of FC-72 in horizontal, vertical upflow, and vertical downflow orientations. Two test sections are utilized, one capable of providing high-speed imaging of liquid film development, and the other designed to allow detailed measurements of flow condensation heat transfer coefficient.

Assessment of body force effects in flow condensation, part II: Criteria for negating influence of gravity.

This study concerns the development of a set of mechanistic criteria capable of predicting the flow conditions for which gravity independent flow condensation heat transfer can be achieved. Using FC-72 as working fluid, a control-volume based annular flow model is solved numerically to provide information regarding the magnitude of different forces acting on the liquid film and identify which forces are dominant for different flow conditions. Separating the influence of body force into two components, one parallel to flow direction and one perpendicular, conclusions drawn from the force term comparison are used to model limiting cases, which are interpreted as transition points for gravity independence.

Effects of two-phase inlet quality, mass velocity, flow orientation, and heating perimeter on flow boiling in a rectangular channel: Part 2 - CHF experimental results and model.

This study is the second part of a two-part study exploring flow boiling of FC-72 along a rectangular channel with either one wall or two opposite walls heated for saturated inlet conditions. While the first part examined flow boiling interfacial behavior, boiling curves, local and average heat transfer coefficients, and pressure drops, this part is focused entirely on CHF measurement, flow visualization and modeling. Both single-sided and double-sided heating configurations are tested in horizontal flow, vertical upflow, and vertical downflow.

Effects of two-phase inlet quality, mass velocity, flow orientation, and heating perimeter on flow boiling in a rectangular channel: Part 1 - Two-phase flow and heat transfer results.

Lack of understanding of flow boiling behavior in reduced gravity poses a major challenge to the development of future space vehicles utilizing two-phase thermal control systems (TCSs). A cost effective method to investigating the influence of reduced gravity on flow boiling is to perform ground experiments at different orientations relative to Earth gravity. This paper is the first part of a two-part study aimed at exploring flow boiling mechanisms of FC-72 in a rectangular channel heated along one wall or two opposite walls.

Time-averaged and transient pressure drop for flow boiling with saturated inlet conditions.

This study explores flow boiling pressure drop of FC-72 in a rectangular channel subjected to single-side and double-sided heating for vertical upflow, vertical downflow, and horizontal flow with positive inlet quality. Analysis of temporal records of pressure transducer signals is used to assess the influences of orientation, mass velocity, inlet quality, heat flux, and single-sided versus double-sided heating on magnitude of pressure drop oscillations, while fast Fourier transforms of the same records are used to capture dominant frequencies of oscillations. Time-averaged pressure drop results are also presented, with trends focusing on the competing influences of body force and flow inertia, and particular attention paid to the impact of vapor content at the test section inlet and the rate of vapor generation within the test section on pressure drop.