Lattice Boltzmann simulation of seawater boiling in the presence of non-condensable gas

Abstract

In this study, three-dimensional (3D) boiling of seawater containing non-condensable gas (NCG) was simulated using the modified pseudopotential lattice Boltzmann model for multiphase multicomponent flow, and the effects of wettability and the NCG concentration on the heat flux between the heat source and its adjacent fluids, bubble departure period and diameter were analyzed. The simulation results show that, with an increase in the NCG concentration, the heat flux, bubble departure period and diameter decreased, while the effect of NCG on the bubble departure diameter and period plateaued as contact angle proceeded. Additionally, the boiling mechanisms of seawater containing NCG in a horizontal fissure were also analyzed. With an increase in the NCG concentration, the bubble departure diameter decreased while the bubble departure period increased. Furthermore, the influence was weakened with an increase in Re number.