Review of Condensation Heat Transfer in Microgravity Environments

Abstract

A review of recent investigations of condensation in microgravity environments is presented in order to better understand the influence of microgravity, shear stress, surface tension, and/or capillary and centrifugal forces on condensation phenomenon. Based on a thorough review of the available literature on condensation in the absence of gravitational body forces, the potential of using the vapor shear stress to remove the condensate in systems designed for spacecraft applications was assessed. Other removal methods, such as the use of wall suction are presented, discussed and evaluated. It is apparent from the literature that the gravitational body force in condensation processes could effectively be replaced by the centrifugal forces generated by a rotating system. The possibility of utilizing surface tension and/or capillary forces to enhance the condensation phenomenon for use in spacecraft applications is also evaluated and discussed.