CFD based mini- vs. micro-system delineation in elongated bubble flow regime

• Published in: International journal of multiphase flow Vol. 59; pp. 73 - 83
• Main Authors: Rek, Zlatko, Zun, Iztok
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied fluid mechanics; Bubbles; CFD; Channels; Computational fluid dynamics; Computer simulation; Delineation; Elongated bubble; Exact sciences and technology; Flows in ducts, channels, nozzles, and conduits; Fluid dynamics; Fluidics; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Liquid film thickness; Mathematical models; Mini- vs. micro-channel; Multiphase and particle-laden flows; Nonhomogeneous flows; Nose; Physics; Slug flow; Two-phase flow; CFD; Mini- vs. micro-channel; Liquid film thickness; Two-phase flow; Elongated bubble; Gas liquid interface; Pipe flow; Computational fluid dynamics; Digital simulation; Layer thickness; Capillary tube; Horizontal pipe; Flow regime; Modelling; Bubble flow; Liquid films; Microstructure; Mesh generation

•The delineation criteria between mini- and micro-systems is proposed.•3D VOF numerical simulation was successfully validated with experimental data.•Channels with D⩽100μm can be characterized as a micro-system.•Channels with D⩾400μm can be characterized as a mini-system.•Region 200μm⩽D⩽300μm repres...