The use of small two-phase natural circulation loops is an attractive option for efficient cooling applications and innovative steam generators. An experimental study was conducted to examine how the thermal-hydraulic stability and operating conditions of these devices are affected by nucleation sites. A very smooth glass tube with artificial nucleation sites was used as a boiling channel. The mass flow rate was obtained as a function of heat flux and nucleation site location. Nucleation sites have a strong impact on stability behavior, particularly for low heat flux levels. The observed flow instabilities were analyzed with regard to nonlinear effects and chaotic behavior.

Issue Section:
Nuclear Power
Topics:
Boiling, Flow (Dynamics), Nucleation (Physics), Stability

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Copyright © 2012
 by American Society of Mechanical Engineers
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