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Two dimensional computational results of microchannel flow boiling with self-rewetting fluids

figure
posted on 2025-04-04, 08:38 authored by Andre PienaarAndre Pienaar

The figures are associated with the dissertation title 'Computational analysis of surface tension effects in microchannel flow boiling with self-rewetting fluids.' The study numerically investigated the effects of surface tension in microchannel flow boiling by using self-rewetting fluids as the working fluid. 5% v/v 1-butanol-water was used as the self-rewetting fluid, which was compared to pure water representing normal fluids. The investigation made use of the volume of fluid (VOF) method to accurately model the two-phase flow. Surface tension was represented as a temperature-dependent fluid property. With self-rewetting fluids, the surface tension has a non-linear relationship with temperature, whereas normal fluids have a decreasing linear relationship with fluid temperature. The study concluded that the Marangoni effect caused fluid to be drawn into the heated regions when using the self-rewetting fluid, which meant that continued wetting of the surface occurred. In contrast, the Marangoni effect described the normal fluid (water) flow as occurring from the heated region to the cooler regions, causing the onset of dry-out regions.

Funding

ThermaSMART

History

Department/Unit

Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering

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