Numerical simulations of phase change in microgravity
- Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics
Direct numerical simulations of liquid-solid and liquid-vapor phase change are conducted under microgravity conditions. The time-dependent governing equations are solved using a two-dimensional finite-difference/front-tracking method. Large interface deformations, topology change, latent heat, surface tension and unequal material properties between the phases are included in the simulations. Results are presented for two specific problems: directional solidification of a dilute binary alloy and the rapid evaporation of a superheated liquid (vapor explosion). For the directional solidification problem, solution of the fully coupled solute and energy equations reveals the evolution of morphologically complex structures such as tip splitting, coarsening and droplet detachment from deep intercellular grooves. A variety of important solute segregation patterns such as necking, coring and banding are also observed. The boiling problem couples the phase change with fluid flow. This requires the solution of the Navier-Stokes and energy equations with interphase mass transfer. The energetic growth of instabilities on planar and circular interfaces during the unstable explosive evaporation of a superheated liquid in microgravity is demonstrated.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- National Science Foundation, Washington, DC (United States); National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 477352
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-961105--; ISBN 0-7918-1519-6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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