Effects of interaction models on upward subcooled boiling flow in annulus

Abstract

Numerous correlations have been developed for the interphase functions (drag force, lift force, wall lubrication force, turbulent dispersion force and turbulence interaction). In previous work, most researchers just selected a group of models to perform the CFD simulation, without investigating the applicability and accuracy of different interaction models. In this study, Eulerian two-fluid model coupled with RPI wall boiling model was adopted to simulate upward subcooled boiling flow in an annulus based on FLUENT 15.0. The influences of different models for interaction functions on flow and heat transfer in annulus were studied. The performances of different interaction models were analyzed by comparing the calculated results with Chu and Lee's experimental data. In our test conditions, there was no difference between the results calculated by Moraga model and the data simulated with no lift force. The same conclusion can be got with Hosokawa model for wall lubrication force. The Saffman-Mei model performed better than Tomiyama model and Legendre-Magnaudet model in our research. It was mean that the Saffman-Mei model can also be applied to bubbles which are not significantly deformed. We found two groups of models could simulate the current subcooled boiling experiment with high accuracy by comparing with other groups of models. This work can be referred for choosing interaction models when analyzing subcooled boiling flow around our test conditions.