Heat and mass transfer processes in two phase He II/vapor

Abstract

Modeling heat and mass transfer characteristics of two phase He II is discussed. The case considered assumes that the channel flow is one-dimensional and stratified, with mass exchange between the two phases. Two specific examples are considered in some detail. The first is the heat and mass transfer characteristics for small liquid flow rate. Use of several simplifying assumptions allows the problem to be reduced to solution of a one-dimensional ordinary differential equation. The result is a non-dimensional expression for the liquid level or void fraction along the channel. A set of dimensionless parameters are defined that establish the relative contributions of vapor mass transport and counterflow in the He II. The model also predicts the temperature profile and vapor mass flow rate. The second case concerns the flow of liquid under nearly isothermal conditions with relatively small vapor mass flow rate. Under these conditions, the flow may be modeled using classical hydrodynamics taking into consideration the unique characteristics of the He II. Results of these models are compared to experimental data for heat and mass transfer in a two phase He II/vapor flow.