Numerical investigation of electrohydrodynamically enhanced flow boiling inside minichannels: The seeding model

In the present study, three-dimensional numerical simulations are performed to examine effect of applied direct current electric fields on subcooled flow boiling heat transfer in a vertical minichannel. The volume fluid model is used capture liquid–vapor interfaces, and conservation laws, together with electrohydrodynamic (EHD) equations, solved using finite method. Two mass models Lee Fourier evaluated, new seeding algorithm developed based physics bubble formation departure heated walls, integrated model. early transition from slug churn/annular regimes, due EHD forces, observed solutions both models, agreement available experiment. Nevertheless, tuned for electric-free condition fails predict EHD-induced enhancement, while captures this phenomenon reasonable accuracy. Based results, can be attributed migration small bubbles toward walls under fields, forming recirculating regions near augmenting mixing, mitigating hot spots.