Slug-bubble regime identification in a square channel using a IR Sensor

Abstract

Design of micro thrusters for nano satellites, require a detailed understanding of multiphase flow phenomena in micro/mini-channels. This work focuses on the experimental and numerical investigation of an Infra-red sensor behavior during two phase flow of a slug-bubble train (air-water two-phase flow). The regime flows inside a square channel of sides 2 mm and 0.5 mm thickness made of borosilicate glass. The interference of the slug-bubble train flow pattern on the IR transceiver characteristics is experimentally studied as current signals corresponding to the number of photons received by the photodiode. A numerical model is developed to analyze the IR transceiver characteristics using COMSOL Multiphysics package. The experimental and numerical results are in good agreement and the developed system with proper calibration can be used to design feedback loops for micro thrusters.