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Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FBCE)

focus areasThe proposed research aims to develop an integrated two-phase flow boiling/condensation facility for the International Space Station (ISS) to serve as a primary platform for obtaining two-phase flow and heat transfer data in microgravity. By comparing the microgravity data against those obtained in Earth’s gravity, it will be possible to ascertain the influence of body force on two-phase transport phenomena in pursuit of mechanistic models as well as correlations, and to help determine the minimum flow criteria to ensure gravity independent flow boiling and condensation. This research will be a joint effort between the Purdue University Boiling and Two-Phase Flow Laboratory (BTPFL) and the NASA Glenn Research Center. Personnel from the two organizations combine extensive experience in research and development of both flow boiling and condensation systems, and in conducting microgravity experiments.

Installation of Flow Boiling Test Module onto the Fluid Integration Rack (FIR).
Installation of Flow Boiling Test Module onto the Fluid Integration Rack (FIR).

Objectives

  • Obtain flow boiling database in a long-duration microgravity environment
  • Obtain flow condensation database in a long-duration microgravity environment
  • Develop an experimentally validated, mechanistic model for microgravity flow boiling critical heat flux (CHF) and dimensionless criteria to predict minimum flow velocity required to ensure gravity-independent CHF
  • Develop an experimentally validated, mechanistic model for microgravity annular condensation and dimensionless criteria to predict minimum flow velocity required to ensure gravity-independent annular condensation; also develop correlations for other condensation regimes in microgravity

Relevance/Impact

  • Reduced gravity condensation and flow boiling heat transfer data and models are virtually nonexistent.
  • Long-duration space missions will demand additional power and heat dissipation requirements compared to current space missions. To reduce size and weight, the transition from single-phase to two-phase thermal management systems is necessary.
  • In addition, two-phase thermal management systems are more effective heat transfer systems compared to single-phase systems because two-phase systems rely on latent heat exchange rather than sensible heat exchange.
  • Flow boiling and condensation data in microgravity are also needed to validate numerical simulation tools that could be used to design space-based two-phase thermal management systems.

Development Approach

  • Develop two-phase flow loop to condition normal perfluorohexane (C6F14), or nPFH to preset values of flow rate, pressure, and temperature to the test module
  • Develop Flow Boiling Module (FBM) to study subcooled and saturated flow boiling and critical heat flux (CHF)
  • Develop two separate Condensation Modules to enable study of condensation flow and heat transfer regimes: Condensation Module for heat transfer (CM-HT) measurements and Condensation Module for flow visualization (CM-FV).

Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FBCE)

Video shows liquid flowing from left to right through a rectangular channel. At the beginning of the video, as the liquid begins to boil, small bubbles flow from the heated side of the channel (which, in this video, appears to be the “top” of the channel). Over time, larger and larger bubbles form, filling the width of the channel as they flow.

The FBCE team checks out the module in preparation for electromagnetic interference environmental testing.

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Publications

  1. Kharangate, C.R. and Mudawar, I. and Hasan, M.H., 2012, “Experimental and Theoretical Study of Critical Heat Flux in Vertical Upflow with Inlet Vapor Void,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 55, pp. 360-374.
  2. Kim, S.M. and Mudawar, I., 2012, “Theoretical Model for Annular Flow Condensation in Rectangular Micro-Channels,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 55, pp. 958-970.
  3. Kim, S.M. and Mudawar, I., 2012, “Universal Approach to Predicting Two-Phase Frictional Pressure Drop for Adiabatic and Condensing Mini/Micro-Channel Flows,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 55, pp. 3246-3261.
  4. Kharangate, C.R. and Mudawar, I. and Hasan, M.H., 2012, “Photographic Study and Modeling of Critical Heat Flux in Horizontal Flow Boiling with Inlet Vapor Void,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 55, pp. 4154-4168.
  5. Kim, S.M. and Mudawar, I., 2013, “Universal Approach to Predicting Heat Transfer Coefficient for Condensing Mini/Micro-Channel Flows,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 56, pp. 238-250.
  6. Park, I., Kim, S.M. and Mudawar, I., 2013, “Experimental Measurement and Modeling of Downflow Condensation in a Circular Tube,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 57, pp. 567-581.
  7. Kim, S.M. and Mudawar, I., 2013, “Universal Approach to Predicting Two-Phase Frictional Pressure Drop for Mini/Micro-Channel Saturated Flow Boiling,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 58, pp. 718-734.
  8. Konishi, C., Mudawar, I. and Hasan, M.M., 2013, “Investigation of the Influence of Orientation on Critical Heat Flux for Flow Boiling with Two-Phase Inlet,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 61, pp. 176-190.
  9. Lee, H., Mudawar, I. and Hasan, M.M., 2013, “Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Annular Flow Condensation in Microgravity,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 61, pp. 293-309.
  10. Mascarenhas, N. and Mudawar, I. 2013, “Investigation of Eddy Diffusivity and Heat Transfer Coefficient for Free-Falling Turbulent Liquid Films Subjected to Sensible Heating,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 64, pp. 647-660.
  11. Kim, S.M. and Mudawar, I., 2013, “Universal Approach to Predicting Saturated Flow Boiling Heat Transfer in Mini/Micro-Channels Part I. Dryout Incipience Quality,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 64, pp. 1226-1238.
  12. Kim, S.M. and Mudawar, I., 2013, “Universal Approach to Predicting Saturated Flow Boiling Heat Transfer in Mini/Micro-Channels Part II. Two-Phase Heat Transfer Coefficient,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 64, pp. 1239-1256.
  13. Park, I. and Mudawar, I., 2013, “Climbing Film, Flooding and Falling Film Behavior in Upflow Condensation in Tubes,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 65, pp. 44-61.
  14. Konishi, C., Mudawar, I. and Hasan, M.M., 2013, “Criteria for Negating the Influence of Gravity on Flow Boiling Critical Heat Flux with Two-Phase Inlet Conditions,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 65, pp. 203-218.
  15. Lee, H. and Mudawar, I., and Hasan, M.M., 2013, “Flow Condensation in Horizontal Tubes,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 66, pp. 31-45.
  16. Konishi, C., Mudawar, I. and Hasan, M.M., 2013, “Investigation of Localized Dryout versus CHF in Saturated Flow Boiling,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 67, pp. 131-146.
  17. Mascarenhas, N. and Mudawar, I., 2013, “Study of the Influence of Interfacial Waves on Heat Transfer in Turbulent Falling Films,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 67, pp. 1106-1121.
  18. Lee, H., Park, I., Konishi, C., Mudawar, I., May, R.I., Juergens, J.R., Wagner, J.D., Hall, N.R., Nahra, H.K., Hasan, M. and Jeffrey R. Mackey, J.R., 2014, “Experimental Investigation of Flow Condensation in Microgravity,” Journal of Heat Transfer, Vol. 136, 021701.
  19. Mascarenhas, N. and Mudawar, I., 2014, “Statistical Analysis of Measured and Computed Thickness and Interfacial Temperature of Free-Falling Turbulent Liquid Films,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 73, pp. 716-730.
  20. Kim, S.M. and Mudawar, I., 2014, “Theoretical Model for Local Heat Transfer Coefficient for Annular Flow Boiling in Circular Mini/Micro-Channels,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 73, pp. 731-742.
  21. Kim, S.M. and Mudawar, I., 2014, “Review of Databases and Predictive Methods for Pressure Drop in Adiabatic, Condensing and Boiling Mini/Micro-Channel Flows,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 77, pp. 74-97.
  22. Kim, S.M. and Mudawar, I., 2014, “Review of Databases and Predictive Methods for Heat Transfer in Condensing and Boiling Mini/Micro-Channel Flows,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 77, pp. 627-652.
  23. Lee, H., Park I., Mudawar, I. and Hasan M.M., 2014, “Micro-Channel Evaporator for Space Applications – 1. Experimental Pressure Drop and Heat Transfer Results for Different Orientations in Earth Gravity,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 77, pp. 1213-1230.
  24. Lee H., Park I., Mudawar, I. and Hasan M.M., 2014, “Micro-Channel Evaporator for Space Applications – 2. Assessment of Predictive Tools,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 77, pp. 1231-1249.
  25. Konishi, C., Mudawar, I., 2015, “Review of Flow Boiling and Critical Heat Flux in Microgravity,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 80, pp. 469-493.
  26. Park I., Lee H. and Mudawar, I., 2015, “Determination of Flow Regimes and Heat Transfer Coefficient for Condensation in Horizontal Tubes,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 80, pp. 698-716.
  27. Kharangate, C., Lee, H., and Mudawar, I., 2015, “Computational Modeling of Turbulent Evaporating Falling Film,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 81, pp. 52-62.
  28. Konishi, C., Lee, H., Mudawar, I., Hasan, M.M., Nahra, H.K., Hall, N.R., Wagner, J.D., May, R.L., and Mackaey, J.R., 2015, “Flow Boiling in Microgravity: Part 1 – Interfacial Behavior and Experimental Heat Transfer Results,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 81, pp. 705-720.
  29. Konishi, C., Lee, H., Mudawar, I., Hasan, M.M., Nahra, H.K., Hall, N.R., Wagner, J.D., May, R.L., and Mackaey, J.R., 2015, “Flow Boiling in Microgravity: Part 2 – Critical Heat Flux Interfacial Behavior, Experimental Data, and Model,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 81, pp. 721-736.
  30. Mascarenhas, N., Lee H. and Mudawar, I., 2015, “Experimental and Computational Investigation of Interfacial Shear along Wavy Two-Phase Interfaces,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 85, pp. 265-280.
  31. Lee, H., Kharangate, C.R., Mascarenhas, N., Park I., and Mudawar, I., 2015, “Experimental and Computational Investigation of Vertical Downflow Condensation,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 85, pp. 865-879.
  32. Kim, S.M, Mudawar, I., 2015, “Review of Two-Phase Critical Flow Models and Investigation of the Relationship between Choking, Premature CHF, and CHF in Micro-Channel Heat Sinks,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 87, pp. 497-511.
  33. Kharangate, C.R., O’Neill, L.E., Mudawar, I., Hasan, M.M., Nahra, H.K., Ramaswamy, B., Hall, N.R., Macner, A.M., and Mackey, J.R., 2015, “Flow Boiling and Critical Heat Flux in Horizontal Channel with One-sided and Double-sided Heating,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 90, pp. 323-338.
  34. Kharangate, C.R., O’Neill, L.E., Mudawar, I., Hasan, M.M., Nahra, H.K., Ramaswamy, B., Hall, N.R., Macner, A.M., and Mackey, J.R., 2015, “Effects of Subcooling and Two-Phase Inlet on Flow Boiling Heat Transfer and Critical Heat Flux in a Horizontal Channel with One-sided and Double-sided Heating,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 91, pp. 1187-1205.
  35. Kharangate, C.R., Konishi, C., and Mudawar, I., 2016, “Consolidated Methodology to Predicting Flow Boiling Critical Heat Flux for Inclined Channels in Earth Gravity and for Microgravity,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 92, pp. 467-482.
  36. Kharangate, C.R., Lee, H., Park I., and Mudawar, I., 2016, “Experimental and Computational Investigation of Vertical Upflow Condensation in a Circular Tube,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 95, pp. 249-263.
  37. O’Neill, L.E., Kharangate, C.R., and Mudawar, I., 2016, “Time-averaged and Transient Pressure Drop for Flow Boiling with Saturated Inlet Conditions,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 103, pp. 133-153.
  38. Kharangate, C.R., O’Neill, L.E., and Mudawar, I., 2016, “Effects of Two-Phase Inlet Quality, Mass Velocity, Flow Orientation, and Heating Perimeter on Flow Boiling in a Rectangular Channel: Part 1 – Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer Results,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 103, pp. 1261-1279.
  39. Kharangate, C.R., O’Neill, L.E., and Mudawar, I., 2016, “Effects of Two-Phase Inlet Quality, Mass Velocity, Flow Orientation, and Heating Perimeter on Flow Boiling in a Rectangular Channel: Part 2 – CHF Experimental Results and Model,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 103, pp. 1280-1296.
  40. Park, I., O’Neill, L.E., and Mudawar, I., 2017, “Assessment of Body Force Effects in Flow Condensation, Part I: Experimental Investigation of Liquid Film Behavior for Different Orientations,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 106, pp. 295-312.
  41. O’Neill, L.E., Park, I., Chirag R. Kharangate, C.R., V.S., Devahdhanush, Ganesan, V., and Mudawar, I., 2017, “Assessment of Body Force Effects in Flow Condensation, Part II: Criteria for Negating Influence of Gravity,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 106, pp. 313-328.
  42. Kim, S.M and Mudawar, I., 2017, “Thermal Design and Operational Limits of Two-Phase Micro-channel Heat Sinks,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 106, pp. 861-876.
  43. Kharangate, C.R. and Mudawar, I., 2017, “Review of Computational Studies on Boiling and Condensation,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 108, pp. 1164-1196.
  44. Mudawar, I., 2017, “Flow Boiling and Flow Condensation in Reduced Gravity,” Advances in Heat Transfer, Vol. 49, pp. 225-306.
  45. O’Neill, L.E., Mudawar, I., Hasan, M.M., Nahra, H.K., Ramaswamy, B., Hall, N.R., Lokey, and Mackey, J.R., 2018, “Experimental Investigation into the Impact of Density Wave Oscillations on Flow Boiling System Dynamic Behavior and Stability,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 120, pp 144-166.
  46. O’Neill, L.E., and Mudawar, I., 2018, “Mechanistic Model to Predict Frequency and Amplitude of Density Wave Oscillations in Vertical Upflow Boiling,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 123, pp. 143-171.
  47. O’Neill, L.E., Mudawar, I., Hasan, M.M., Nahra, H.K., Ramaswamy, and Mackey, J.R., 2018, “Experimental Investigation of Frequency and Amplitude of Density Wave Oscillations in Vertical Upflow Boiling,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 125, pp. 1240-1263.
  48. O’Neill, L.E., Mudawar, I., Hasan, M.M., Nahra, H.K., Ramaswamy, and Mackey, J.R., 2018, “Flow Condensation Pressure Oscillations at Different Orientations,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 127, pp. 784-809.
  49. Lee, S. and Mudawar, I., 2019, “Enhanced Model for Annular Flow in Micro-channel Heat Sinks, including effects of Droplet Entrainment/Deposition and Core Turbulence,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 133, pp. 510-530.
  50. O’Neill, L.E., Ramaswamy, R., Nahra, H.K., Hasan, M.M., Mackey, J.R., and Mudawar, I., 2019, “Identification of Condensation Flow Regime at different Orientations using Temperature and Pressure Measurements,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 135, pp. 569-590.
  51. Lee, J., O’Neill, L.E., Lee,, and Mudawar, I., 2019, “Experimental and Computational Investigation on Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer of Highly Subcooled Flow Boiling in Vertical Upflow,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 136, pp. 1199-1216.
  52. O’Neill, L.E., Ramaswamy, R., Nahra, H.K., Hasan, M.M., and Mudawar, I., 2019, “Flow condensation heat transfer in a smooth tube at different orientations: Experimental results and predictive models,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 140, pp. 533-563.
  53. Lee, J., O’Neill, L.E., and Mudawar, I., 2020, “3-D Computational Investigation and Experimental Validation of Effect of Shear-Lift on Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Highly Subcooled Flow Boiling in Vertical Upflow,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 150, 119291.
  54. O’Neill, L.E. and Mudawar, I., 2020, “Review of Two-phase Instabilities in Macro- and Micro-channel Systems,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 157, 119738.
  55. Lee, J., O’Neill, L.E., and Mudawar, I., 2020, “Computational prediction of key heat transfer mechanisms and hydrodynamic characteristics of critical heat flux (CHF) in subcooled vertical upflow boiling,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 161, 120262.

Project Management

Project Manager: Nancy Rabel Hall, NASA GRC
nancy.r.hall@nasa.gov
216-385-6302

Project Scientist: Henry Nahra, NASA GRC
henry.k.nahra@nasa.gov
216-433-5385

Principal Investigator: Issam Mudawar, Purdue University
Co-Principal Investigator: Mohammad Mojibul Hasan, NASA GRC
mohammad.m.hasan@nasa.gov
216-977-7494

Engineering Team: GRC Engineering

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