A model for steam bubble formation at a submerged nozzle in flowing subcooled water

Abstract

A non-spherical model for bubble formation coupled with phase change at a submerged nozzle in a flowing subcooled liquid is presented. The interface element approach is applied to describe the dynamics of bubble formation. The bubble is assumed to be surrounded by a thin thermal boundary layer, in which the saturated steam condenses partially as the bubble grows. The effect of a parallel flowing liquid is taken into account by pressure analysis of surrounding liquid. The results computed from present model are compared with the experimental data in the literature as well as with the results computed from other models. The results are in good agreement and show a significant improvement over other models. © 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.