A Pressure Pulse Model for Two-Phase Critical Flow and Sonic Velocity

Abstract

Pressure pulse transmission in a flowing mixture provides the basis for a theoretical formulation of two-phase critical flow and sonic velocity. Homogeneous and separated phases are considered, showing that phase pattern plays an important role in pulse transmission. Graphs are presented for critical flow and sonic velocity of steam-water mixtures, based on no phase change or heat transfer across the pulse. The present model predicts most available data with homogeneous and separated phase patterns and suggests quality ranges for which each pattern applies.