Bubble dynamics in high-pressure flow boiling conditions

Abstract

Abstract High resolution measurements of key parameters relevant to bubble departure processes in high-pressure water systems has been a major challenge over the past several decades due to the small size and fast motion of vapor bubbles, making conventional optical measurements unreliable. Addressing this difficulty is critical, as accurate bubble departure data and computationally inexpensive models are needed for future two-phase heat transfer models. To close this gap, we use high-speed imaging to track bubble size and velocity in high-pressure flow boiling conditions (10 – 40 bar). It is observed that bubbles are almost always perfectly spherical in shape and slide along the boiling surface immediately after nucleating. To predict sliding, we conduct a force balance on the bubble and derive an equation of motion in the direction of the bulk flow. Interestingly, we find that at high pressure conditions, the equation of motion can be significantly simplified, resulting in an analytical expression for the bubble motion, growth time and departure diameter, allowing us to develop simple and computationally efficient equations. The applicability of the model and departure criterion across a broader range of high-pressure conditions is discussed, and recommendations for further characterization of bubble departure processes are made.