Molecular dynamics simulation of annular condensation of vapor argon through a nanochannel for different saturation conditions with focusing on the flow and heat transfer

Abstract

In this paper, the annular condensation of vapor Argon through a nanochannel is studied using the molecular dynamics method. Simulation is performed in a computational domain with two solid platinum walls for different saturation conditions with focusing on the flow characteristics and heat transfer. The density, surface tension, and velocity profiles are obtained for various axial locations. Also, the effect of different wall temperatures on the density profile and heat transfer of condensation flow is investigated. It is found that the wall temperature does not have a significant effect on the vapor and liquid density, while the heat flux value is dependent on the wall temperature. Finally, thermal conductivities for the two-phase flow of Argon are estimated at different saturated temperatures, and an equation is presented for calculating the thermal conductivity of the liquid-vapor Argon in terms of the thermal conductivity of each phase. The results show that the formula can predict the thermal conductivity of two-phase flow of Argon quite well.