Calculation of Wave Characteristics in Bubbly Two-Phase Flows

Author: Wong, Tak-Yiu

Year: 1982

Degree: Engineer's thesis

Advisor: Brennen, Christopher E.

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Mechanical Engineering

DOI: 10.7907/gbzx-es15

Abstract

Kinematic and dynamic wave characteristics in bubbly two-phase flows are investigated. Using the same set of basic equations, kinematic and dynamic wave characteristics in a one-dimensional flow system were simultaneously obtained. A simple linear model was used so that the response of the flow to oscillatory perturbations of frequency [Omega] was studied. Explicit asymptotic solutions for the wave speeds and attenuations in various relative velocity and frequency regimes were obtained. Numerical analyses were carried out to investigate intermediate or transitional values of the parameters. The regimes of validity for a number of conventional wave propagation models (drift-flux model and acoustic wave analysis) were explored by using the present results. It was observed that for most engineering bubbly two-phase flows of concern, the inertial effects, which are commonly neglected in many existing models, should be included for better accuracy in prediction of wave characteristics.

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