Analysis of the radiant heat absorption in the boundary layer surrounding an evaporating drop

Abstract

AbstractAn approximate analysis is made of the effect of the absorption of thermal radiation on the temperature gradients surrounding an evaporating droplet which is suspended in a high temperature environment. The Hottel‐Cohen method for calculating the radiant heat flux distribution in an enclosure containing an absorbing medium of non‐uniform temperature, has been applied to the spherical symmetrical model of the system. Conduction and radial movement of the cold vapor from the droplet have been included.The analysis shows that, at atmospheric pressure, the absorption of radiant energy in the boundary layer is very small and hence does not affect the temperature gradient nor the rate of heat transfer at the droplet surface.This method of analysis, with the associated solution of the equations describing the reception factors, is quite general and can be applied to any spherical enclosure containing an absorbing medium whether it be one of concentric or hollow spheres.