Numerical Simulation of Dynamics and Heat Transfer Associated With a Single Bubble in Subcooled Boiling and in the Presence of Noncondensables

Abstract

During phase change at the bubble-liquid interface, under subcooled boiling conditions, noncondensable gases dissolved in the liquid will be injected into the bubble along with vapor. Due to heat transfer into subcooled liquid, vapor will condense in the upper regions of the bubble while noncondensables will continue to accumulate. Subsequently, thermocapillary convection caused by nonuniform saturation temperature at the interface may occur. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of noncondensables on heat transfer and bubble dynamics. The numerical results show that the effects of noncondensables on 5°C subcooled boiling of water are minor in terms of the equilibrium bubble diameter and overall Nusselt number. However, induced flow pattern around the bubble is altered, especially under reduced gravity conditions.