The Void Fraction in Subcooled Boiling—Prediction of the Initial Point of Net Vapor Generation

Abstract

The satisfactory prediction of the vapor volume fraction in subcooled boiling depends in large part on the ability to predict the point where a significant amount of net vapor is first formed. A method for the prediction of this point is derived here and compared with experimental measurements at both low and high fluid velocities. The derived relationships for this point include the effect of fluid properties, geometry, and the liquid velocity. A comparison with the empirical formula of Bowring [2] for water is given.