Integral formulation of balance equations for two-phase flow through a sudden enlargement Part 1: Basic approach

Abstract

A general expression of irreversible losses related to two-phase flows through a sudden enlargement is derived from basic balance equations (mass, momentum and energy). The need to take into account void fraction and quality changes is emphasized for some one-fluid flows. From a comparison with several experimental results, it is concluded that a void fraction decrease downstream of the enlargement must be considered in order to predict satisfactorily pressure variations on the basis of the momentum balance procedure. When expressed in the form of a fraction of reversible pressure recovery, dissipation losses appear to depend strongly on the quality. Their minimum value is observed for a larger quality value when the pressure of the system is increased.