Hydrodynamic Prediction of Peak Pool-boiling Heat Fluxes from Finite Bodies

Abstract

Since Zuber made a hydrodynamic prediction of the peak pool-boiling heat flux on an infinite flat plate, his general concept has been used to predict the peak heat flux in two finite heater configurations. These latter predictions have differed from Zuber’s in the introduction of a largely empirical variable—the thickness of the vapor escape path around the body. The present study shows how measurements of this thickness can be combined with the hypothesis that the vapor velocity within the vapor blanket must match the vapor velocity in the escaping jet above the heater. The result is a more exact description of the hydrodynamics of vapor removal. This idea is used to suggest the possibility of a universal value for the ratio of the cross-sectional area of escaping jets to the heater area for large finite heaters and for long slender heaters. A set of general ground rules is developed for predicting the peak heat fluxes on both large and small heaters. These rules are used in turn to predict the peak heat flux from horizontal ribbons. They are also used to correct the traditional prediction for infinite-flat-plate heaters. The predictions are supported with new data.