Numerical investigation of wave dynamics in laminar falling films: influence of Kapitza number and inclination angle
Purpose:This study aims to optimize the design of falling film heat exchangers by providing a deeper understanding of wave characteristics and capillary flow in laminar inclined falling films at low Reynolds numbers. The focus is on the effects of different Kapitza numbers, influenced by fluid prope...
| Autores: | , , , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositorio: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/426394 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/426394 https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/HFF-08-2024-0640 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Falling film VOF Laminar wavy flow Capillary wave Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Física::Termodinàmica |
| Sumario: | Purpose:This study aims to optimize the design of falling film heat exchangers by providing a deeper understanding of wave characteristics and capillary flow in laminar inclined falling films at low Reynolds numbers. The focus is on the effects of different Kapitza numbers, influenced by fluid properties and inclination, on the interfacial wave behavior. Design/methodology/approach: A numerical investigation was conducted using the volume of fluid method within OpenFOAM’s interFoam solver. This study examined the effects of Kapitza number, inclination angle and inlet disturbances on wave formation and flow dynamics, analyzing how these factors influence interfacial wave amplitude, wavelength and flow in the capillary region. Findings: The results revealed that higher Kapitza numbers lead to the formation of stronger capillary waves. Flow separation was observed in the capillary wave region for materials with high Kapitza numbers. An improved Nosoko correlation model was developed, incorporating the inclination angle to more accurately predict the relationship between wave peaks and wavelengths in inclined cases. Originality/value: This research investigates the impact of low Kapitza number on inclined falling film flow, and a correlation model was derived that provides a broader range for evaluating wave behavior in inclined conditions, offering extended references for the design of falling film heat exchangers. |
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