An elementary introduction to the problem of density wave oscillations

In this paper we demonstrate a simple graphical method for analysis of density wave instability in two-phase channels. The objectives are to give the reader a basic knowledge of the physical mechanism behind the oscillations, an understanding of the effect of some of the channel parameters on instability, and a means of qualitatively analyzing for the effect of more complicated operating conditions. The methodology proposed should be useful in providing physical insight into the effect of design modifications, before extensive simulations are carried out, or understanding the physics of the problem enough to appreciate the results of mathematical stability analyses. In summary: a graphical analysis of the principal features of density wave instability has been suggested. The approach is approximate, but incorporates what is believed to be the most important aspects of the physics of the phenomenon. Furthermore, the elementary graphical analysis technique permits incorporation of other effect superimposed on those considered. This permits the designer to make a quick estimate of the effect of certain discrepancies between a real application and the idea cases considered here. Such an estimate may well be used to decide whether it is worthwhile to consider more detailed simulation of the effect. The above analysis can be used very rapidly to investigate qualitatively the effect of a number of parametric effects that may be important in a particular application. Because the analysis is approximative however the reader is cautioned to consider the results estimates only. A practical application may well include effects which tends to dominate those considered most important in the above discussion. The treatment considers the effect on the two-phase density by the inlet velocity (and the velocity of the boiling boundary) and its propagation the most important to determining stability. As presented here it does not include the effect of the varying velocities in the two-phase channel nor the effect of varying steam production due to changes in the subcooled length. These effects can be added to the above analysis but at the expense of further complexity. (authors)