Slug to annular flow regime transition modeling for two-phase flow in a zero gravity environment
- Mainstream Engineering Corp., Rockledge, FL (United States)
There are distinct advantages to two-phase thermal control systems in high power space platforms, but more development is required before integration of such systems can be accomplished. The first step is the development of accurate flow regime transition models. While much work has been accomplished in this area, the models are still semi-empirical or empirical. A new method for calculating the adiabatic transition from slug to annular flow in a microgravity environment is presented. The model is based on a physical balance of inertial and surface tension forces in a manner more physically meaningful than in typical two-phase Weber number relationships used in the past. A comparison of this model with other microgravity slug to annular transition models is made, and a significant improvement in the modeling is demonstrated. This new model and other models are compared with data collected in microgravity in parabolic trajectory flight aboard the NASA KC-135 and the NASA Learjet.
- OSTI ID:
- 163408
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950729--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
KC-135 zero-gravity two phase flow pressure drop: Experiments and modeling
Heat transfer coefficients in bubbly and slug flows under microgravity conditions