A Self-Sustained Oscillatory Flow Phenomenon in Two-Phase Condensing Flow Systems

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental and theoretical investigation of an unstable flow phenomenon that leads to sustained limit-cycle type of oscillations of large amplitude, and which under certain conditions, can involve flow reversals. This unstable behavior normally exists for conditions of low outlet throttling. Upstream compressible volume and downstream inertia appear to be the dominant energy storage mechanisms for the self-sustained oscillations. A linearized analysis based on the system mean void fraction model successfully predicts the experimentally observed stability boundary.