Selection of a steam condensation model for atmospheric air transonic flow prediction

The aim of this paper is to thoroughly analyse the influence of condensation models on the modelling of condensation phenomena in transonic flows of moist air. The reason for the study was the fact that different condensation models are used by researchers to obtain satisfactory results of numerical modelling. The condensation models tested herein differ in the nucleation rate formula and the droplets growth equation. Four most often used condensation models were selected for detailed investigations. The results obtained from each model were compared with experiments for the internal flow through a nozzle and the external flow around an airfoil. The main focus was on the location of the onset of the nucleation process. Moreover, the droplet growth intensity was compared and discussed. The nozzle flow CFD calculations were performed using the ANSYS Fluent commercial tool. Finally, the condensation model which is the most suitable for the moist air transonic flow was recommended.

Automated summary

This paper thoroughly analysed the influence of different condensation models on the modelling of condensation phenomena in transonic flows of moist air, comparing results with experiments to recommend the most suitable model. The focus was on the onset of the nucleation process and the droplet growth intensity, leading to specific conclusions.