Statistical analysis of multiple fluids in microgravity two-phase slug flow via a drift flux model
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The advantages of two-phase flow systems are already well established in a terrestrial environment. The realization of small, low energy cost, large thermal transport two-phase flow loops for reduced gravity would allow for more compact thermal management systems. However the largest obstacle is predicting two-phase phenomena, such as void fraction, in microgravity. Utilization of the drift flux model allows one to predict the void fraction and consequently, the pressure drop and other two-phase phenomena. The use of statistics to verify the drift flux parameters would offer a better validation of the flow model other than just comparing parameter A with parameter B. Most researchers use a distribution parameter of C0=1.2 modified by some parameter such as density ratio or gravity and assume that the intercept, drift velocity, is equal to zero when referring to drift flux parameters. The final analysis in this paper includes 221 data points from 8 different authors. The results of this paper, based on a database from multiple researchers, evaluated with specific test statistics indicate a distribution parameter of 1.336 0.013 and a drift velocity of -0.126 0.020 m/s. This directly contradicts the assumption that the drift velocity is zero.
