Experimental Investigation and Flow Visualization of the Two-Phase Flow Instability at Low Vapor Quality in a Vertical Narrow Channel

The two-phase flow instability of forced convection has been experimentally investigated in a vertical narrow channel with the hydraulic diameter of 2.857mm and aspect ratio of 20. Transparent, metallic and conductive films on external surfaces of the test section can provide visualization and uniform heating for deionized water. The heat flux is 6–18.2 kW · m⁻². When the instability occurs at low vapor quality, a series of parameters are measured and visualized images are obtained by a high-speed camera. The results show that the large amplitude of pressure drop between the inlet and outlet in the test section is due to the elongated bubble, and the value of pressure drop is positively correlated with the volume of the bubble. The oscillation period of pressure drop decreases with the increase of heat flux, and the period can be determined by the method of the Fast Fourier Transform. The backflow phenomenon is analyzed, which has a greater effect on the oscillation of pressure drop than bubble nucleation, bubble growth, bubble coalescence and recoiling of bubble boundary.