Numerical Modelling of Flow Boiling Heat Transfer in Horizontal Metal-Foam Tubes

The flow boiling heat transfer performance in horizontal metal-foam tubes is numerically investigated based on the flow pattern map retrieved from experimental investigations. The flow pattern and velocity profile are generally governed by vapour quality and mass flow rate of the fluid. The porous media non-equilibrium heat transfer model is employed for modelling both vapour and liquid phase zones. The modelling predictions have been compared with experimental results. The effects of metal-foam morphological parameters, heat flux and mass flux on heat transfer have been examined. The numerical predictions show that the overall heat transfer coefficient of the metal-foam filled tube increases with the relative density (1-porosity), pore density (ppi), mass and heat flux.