Experimental investigation of flow-boiling characteristics in a single micro-channel with inlet cavitation structure

Abstract

This research article investigates the effect that hydrodynamic cavitation has on flow-boiling characteristics in a single micro-channel. Flow and heat transfer characteristics have been investigated over a range of effective heat fluxes (71–330 W/cm²) and vapor quality (0.25–0.92) over a broad range of mass flow rates. The images of flow condition have been photographed. A fully developed cavitation flow, including inception, growth, and collapse of bubble, can be presented in the micro-channel. The intensity of bubble and length of the two-phase region increase with increase in the mass flow rates, and bubble flow pattern dominates the fully developed cavitation flow. Heat transfer coefficient has also been calculated at experimental conditions, and the coefficients decrease with increase in the vapor quality, but increase with increase in the heat fluxes.