Mesoscopic characterization of bubble dynamics in subcooled flow boiling following a pseudopotential-based approach. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mukherjee, Aritra; Basu, Dipankar N.; Mondal, Pranab K.
• Is Part Of: International journal of multiphase flow. Volume 148(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Subcooled flow boiling -- Lattice Boltzmann method -- Pseudopotential based approach -- Flow regime map -- Bubble ebullition; Multiphase flow -- Periodicals; Écoulement polyphasique -- Périodiques; Multiphase flow; Periodicals; 620.1064
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2021.103923
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-9322

Abstract

Abstract: The present study explores the capability of the pseudopotential-based thermal lattice Boltzmann model in emulating the underlying thermohydrodynamics of subcooled flow boiling in a narrow fluidic channel. In contrary to the conventional Eulerian-averaging-based approach, it adheres to the mesoscopic Boltzmann statistical averaging, which allows natural phase separation and no need of assuming the initial interface. A narrow fluidic channel, with specified inlet temperature and flow rate, and exit pressure, housing a microheater at the bottom wall, is considered as the computational domain of interest. Adopted boundary conditions ensure subcooled flow boiling through the channel, and the present algorithm successfully emulates the corresponding characteristics. The complete dynamics of bubble ebullition at the nucleation site, and subsequent flow regimes are adequately reproduced. Both bubbly and slug flow patterns are illustrated through the temporal evolution of the interface, and associated pressure drop and heat transport characteristics. Dependence of the departure characteristics on the flow rate, wall superheat and surface wettability is found to be consistent with available literature, which substantiates the competence of the present algorithm. Highlights: Extension of Shan–Chen pseudopotential-based thermal multiphase LBM in flow boiling. Successful reproduction of entire ebullition cycle is from nucleation to departure. Identification and characterization of bubbly and slug flow regimes post-departure. Analyzes of the effect of wall superheat, inlet velocity and surface wettability. Development of a flow regime map for subcooled flow boiling.