Learning Forum

[S.Shrestha-4]

Hi! I am new to CFD, so I had this question. Is it possible to model a microchannel with single inlet and outlet, rectangular cross-section, where there is water heated from the bottom surface and flow turns into vapor completely at the outlet. Can it be modelled without having a mixture of liquid and vapor. That means somehow liquid vaporizes completely and instantaneously at the end section. I saw an option of multiphase modelling like volume of fluid method in fluent, but it looks like a lot of work and not the focus in my project.

Thanks!

[Rob]

If you don't want to include phase change what do you want to learn from the model?

[S.Shrestha-4]

Thanks for your reply. I want to get the characteristics of the microchannel and flow field like heat transfer coefficient, pressure, temperature fields, etc, without having to dive into flow boiling phenomena like bubble formation, etc., and making the model as realistic as possible (there is a nozzle downstream of the microchannel). 

[Rob]

Given the change in density etc with phase change I suspect you need to include it. Maybe one to discuss with your supervisor?