CFD Comparison of multiphase models in the pool boiling state

Abstract

With the development of simulation technology and programs, it became necessary to study the models that control equations’ solutions and influence the results. The models having control over solving equations of multiple phases and materials are investigated. They include (Volume of Fluid (VOF), mixture, Eulerian) controlling the governing equations. The study was conducted depending on the boiling point of the water. The activation of these three models is carried out to find out which one is better for solving the issue of boiling compared to previous numerical and empirical research with the study of the surface tension coefficient that affects the behavior of phases in a contaminated manner. The best model explored in the case of boiling is VOF for the merging of steam bubbles, the velocity of flows 0.257 m/s for both water and steam, and the phase transition. The effectiveness of the VOF model is mirrored by higher efficiency and accuracy of the solution with velocity 0.257 m/s and volume fraction 0.9997. The activation of the surface tension factor 0.072 property simulates the real conditions surrounding the materials used in boiling, but it significantly increases the turbulence and distribution of gas bubbles.

Keywords

• nucleate pool boiling
• vof model
• mixture model
• eulerian model