Work

Modeling phase change in confined spaces: Experimental validation correlation coefficients

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Modeling phase change . • Multiphase flows, characterized by interfaces between distinct phases, are common in nature and engineering. Numerical Lee model in ANSYS fluent . • Theoretical expressions for coefficients are often based on simplifications. • Validation and adjustment using experimental data are crucial. • Experimental measurements of evaporation and condensation provide valuable calibration data. Experimental determination of the Lee model evaporation coefficient . • Experimental data included condensate formation, pressure, and temperature of saturated vapors. • These measurements were essential for calculating the experimental evaporation coefficient. • Comparison with numerical results was conducted. Evaluation of numerical simulation and laboratory measurement results . • Reference parameters were based on experimental data from 95 °C – 60 °C measurements. • Simulation settings were used to generate results. • Computational complexity posed challenges for 3D numerical models. This study focuses on the numerical analysis of two-phase flows with phase change, specifically evaporation and condensation, in confined systems. The aim was to select and validate a suitable numerical model within the ANSYS Fluent. From the available models, the Mixture model with the Evaporation - Condensation sub-model, utilizing the Lee model, was chosen. Unlike common approaches that rely on preset or estimated values for the Lee model correlation coefficients, this study presents their experimental validation on an experimental setup. The obtained data were implemented into a 3D model of the setup, which demonstrated good agreement with laboratory measurements. Analysis of the results revealed the dependence of the correlation coefficient values on saturation vapor pressure, where higher pressures and boiling temperatures lead to lower coefficient values, subsequently influencing the rate of phase change. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of multiphase phase changes, enhances the accuracy of numerical simulations, and has practical implications for the design and optimization of thermal equipment.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.104430

Authors: Richard Lenhard, Katarína Kaduchová, Natalia Hrušková, Patrik Nemec

Institution: University of Žilina

Language: English

Topic: Heat Transfer and Boiling Studies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,940

Funders: Kultúrna a Edukacná Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR, Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV