Mach Number Scaling of Single-Component, Two-Phase Flow

Abstract

A simple two-fluid formulation is used to investigate compressibility effects and Mach number scaling for equilibrium, evaporating two-phase flow. The definition of the local two-phase Mach number emerges from a critical flow analysis. Comparisons of the theoretical critical mass flux with existing experimental data obtained in steam-water flows show very good agreement for moderate and high qualities over a wide critical pressure range. Within this quality range the predicted critical mass flux is quite insensitive to the velocity ratio. The analysis confirms previous observations, based on homogeneous flow models, indicating that in variable area ducts the critical state does not occur at a geometrical throat. Results of existing critical flow experiments in slowly diverging ducts are discussed in the light of this conclusion. A way from the neighborhood of the flash horizon, pressure-drop and kinetic energy changes are shown to scale with similar local Mach functions as those of single-phase compressible flow. Existing experimental data from vertical-upwards and horizontal two-phase flows in pipes indicate that the Mach number calculated on the basis of the local homogeneous state provides the optimum scaling performance. Scaling of the same experimental data using a Mach number based on the local nonhomogeneous state provides results that are in reasonably good agreement with the theoretical scaling guidelines and predictions, but is handicapped by considerable scatter in the scaled experimental variables.