Two-phase flow instability at low flow rate conditions

Abstract

Instability of two-phase flow at low flow rate conditions is investigated analytically and experimentally. By applying the drift flux model, a linear analysis is conducted to study the effect of slip which is considered to play an important role at low flow rate conditions. Results obtained are compared with those of other analytical works and the reason for apparent variations is discussed. Some notes are also given on the lumped parameters which govern instability characteristics, and on the often-observed relation between the period of oscillation and the transit time. Experiments are conducted using R-113 at the test fluid. The results are analyzed in terms of the stability boundary and the period of oscillation. In the analysis it must be assumed that the flow is laminar. It is found that the instability observed experimentally is typical in the gravity term of the heated section is the dominant destabilizing term in the momentum equation. © 1984 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.