A theoretical model for flow boiling CHF from short concave heaters

Experiments were performed to enable the development of a new theoretical mode for the enhancement in CHF commonly observed with flow boiling on concave heater as compared to straight heaters. High-speed video imaging and photomicrography were employed to capture the trigger mechanism for CHF each type heater. A wavy vapor layer was observed to engulf the heater surface in each case, permitting liquid access to the surface only in regions where depressions (troughs) in the liquid vapor interface made contact with the surface. CHF in each case occurred when the pressure force exerted upon the wavy vapor-liquid inter ace in the contact region could no longer overcome the momentum of the vapor produced in these regional. Shorter interfacial wavelengths with greater curvature were measured on the curve, heater than on the straight heater, promoting a greater pressure force on the wave interface and a corresponding increase in CHF for the curved heater. A theoretics. CHF model is developed from these observations, based upon a new theory for hydrodynamic instability, along a curved interface. CHF data are predicted with good accuracy for both heaters. 23 refs., 9 figs.

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