Experimental study and theoretical modelling of two-phase flow in a converging diverging nozzle

A theoretical and experimental study of high quality two-phase flows in converging-diverging nozzles is presented. The main objectives are the prediction of critical (choked) flow rates and the evolution of characteristic parameters towards the nozzle outlet. First, a thorough analysis of available models shows the importance of a correct modelling of the mechanical and thermal interactions between the gas and liquid phases. As a second step, a purely dispersed flow model is considered. The solution algorithm which is utilized describes accurately the critical (choked) flow conditions as well as the topology of the solutions. The dispersed flow model accounts for effects on the gas flow rate of the upstream and the downstream pressures, the liquid flow rate and the nozzle geometry. The pressure profile along the nozzle and the location of the critical cross-section are also well predicted. The flow is shown to switch from critical to sub-critical when the liquid flow rate is increased, all other control parameters at the inlet and the outlet maintained. This new finding is interpreted as a result of the possible location of the critical cross-section anywhere in the diverging part of the nozzle. Moreover, the experiments show that the critical (choked) gas flow rate depends on the inlet configuration of gas/liquid. In the third step, a careful analysis of the data is used as a basis for proposing a new dispersed-annular flow model. This model accounts for the liquid flowing both as a liquid film and as entrained droplets in the core, non-developed flow is accounted for as well as flow separation in the diffuser. Finally, advanced local measuring techniques of pressure, film thickness and film velocity have been developed in the course of the work. In particular film thickness measurements allowed the development of the flow structure to be understood. (author)