Relevant Aspects to Generate Reliable Simulations of Boiling Heat Transfer

Abstract

Abstract Numerical simulations play a primary role in the understanding of multiphase flows with heat and mass transfer. The augment in computational studies comes from more accessible computer resources in terms of cost and performance. Another critical factor enabling computer simulations is the proposal of effective and easy-to-implement methods to capture the various multiphase physics, which leads to simulations resembling experimental trends. Despite relevant advances in computer modeling, an effort is still needed to get to the point where the simulations help explain the mechanisms that experimental researchers are observing. The present study discusses the development of multiphase modeling with an emphasis on boiling phenomena. The work provides a fundamental understanding on the working principles and highlights the relevance and weaknesses of its application in multiphase modeling. In addition, the study describes ways to validate simulations of multiphase flows with heat and mass transfer. Validating techniques compare simulation results against planar interface evaporation (Stefan type problems) and spherical bubble growth. Implications of numerical validation in the generated simulation results (heat transfer distribution, fluid dynamic behavior, and bubble growth rate) are discussed by analyzing simulation results of validated models. Moreover, the study outlines how validated simulations can accurately predict the performance of boiling systems.