LASER DOPPLER ANEMOMETRY MEASUREMENTS OF BUBBLE RISE VELOCITY AND DEPARTURE FREQUENCY

Abstract

Previous experimental investigations have employed photographic techniques to quantify the rise velocity and departure frequency of bubbles departing from a boiling surface, a method that requires a significant time investment to provide accurate time-averaged results. The current study focuses on applying laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) techniques to quantify these parameters. Initially, the LDA system is employed to measure the rise velocity and departure frequency of air bubbles in FC-72, R-113, and water. These air bubble tests verify the ability of the LDA measurement technique to quantify the bubble parameters. The LDA technique is then used to quantify the bubble parameters from a wire during isolated nucleate boiling conditions in saturated FC-72. Highly time-dependent departure frequencies (7 to 242 Hz) are measured in the isolated nucleate boiling regime. LDA signals representing departure frequencies in the fully developed nucleate boiling regime are discussed.