Simulation of Single Vapor Bubble Condensation with Sharp Interface Mass Transfer Model

Abstract

Pure numerical simulation of phase-change phenomena such as boiling and condensation is challenging, as there is no universal model to calculate the transferred mass in all configurations. Among the existing models, the sharp interface model (Fourier model) seems to be a promising solution. In this study, we investigate the limitation of this model via a comparison of the numerical results with the analytical solution and experimental data. Our study confirms the great importance of the initial thermal boundary layer prescription for a simulation of single bubble condensation. Additionally, we derive a semi-analytical correlation based on energy conservation to estimate the condensing bubble lifetime. This correlation declares that the initial diameter, subcooled temperature, and vapor thermophysical properties determine how long a bubble lasts. The simulations are carried out within the OpenFOAM framework using the VoF method to capture the interface between phases. Our investigation demonstrates that calculation of the curvature of interface with the Contour-Based Reconstruction (CBR) method can suppress the parasitic current up to one order.