Semester of Graduation

Fall 2021

Degree

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (MSChE)

Department

Chemical Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Multiphase flow is a complex phenomenon which can be modeled on numerous different length scales, both macroscopically and microscopically. The use of a Euler-Euler model for Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of subcooled boiling phenomena is discussed in detail. The CFD conditions have been set up to mimic previous experimental conditions. A cylindrical vessel with subcooled liquid flow is heated along part of the axial wall of the vessel. A constant heat flux is applied to produce subcooled boiling. We discuss the development of the phase change within the vessel as well as the temperature profile, and validate the results with respect to the experimental setup. We then look at the development of stable non-coalescing droplets, in a microfluidic simulation. It is difficult to develop a computational method which can create stable droplets which interact with one another without coalescence. In order to understand the operating conditions of dilute droplet flow without coalescence we adopt a method of phase identification in the volume of fluid method that allows for droplets of the same phase to interact with each other while preventing coalescence. We then examine the properties of droplet formation and propagation in a diverging/converging microchannel in a dilute droplet regime. We demonstrate the link between droplet size and flowrate can be controlled and also that simulated droplet propagation and interaction agrees with experiment.

Committee Chair

Michael Benton

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.5471

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