In vertical gas-loaded two-phase reflux thermosyphons, the temperature and concentration gradients between the active and shut-off regions can create double-diffusive mixed convection flows. When the noncondensable gas molecular weight is greater than that of the vapor, different steady and time-dependent gas recirculation patterns develop, similar to those observed during Rayleigh-Be´nard convection in vertical slots. Experimental results presented here show that bifurcations from axisymmetric to three-dimensional, then asymmetric, and finally multiple distinct gas-flow patterns occur as the Rayleigh number increases. Ultimately, a sudden transition to a large-amplitude oscillatory gas flow takes place. Detailed concentration maps and power-density spectra from point wet-bulb temperature measurements clearly chart these transitions. These results impact the design of many condensing systems where noncondensables are present.
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Flow Instability and Bifurcation in Gas-Loaded Reflux Thermosyphons
P. F. Peterson,
P. F. Peterson
Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
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N. Elkouh,
N. Elkouh
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92717
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K. W. Lee,
K. W. Lee
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92717
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C. L. Tien
C. L. Tien
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
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P. F. Peterson
Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
N. Elkouh
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92717
K. W. Lee
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92717
C. L. Tien
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
J. Heat Transfer. Feb 1991, 113(1): 158-165 (8 pages)
Published Online: February 1, 1991
Article history
Received:
January 22, 1990
Revised:
May 31, 1990
Online:
May 23, 2008
Citation
Peterson, P. F., Elkouh, N., Lee, K. W., and Tien, C. L. (February 1, 1991). "Flow Instability and Bifurcation in Gas-Loaded Reflux Thermosyphons." ASME. J. Heat Transfer. February 1991; 113(1): 158–165. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2910520
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