Nonlinear aspects of boiling systems and a new method for predicting the pool nucleate boiling heat transfer

Available empirical or phenomenological correlations and mechanistic models developed using average and linear procedures are applicable within relatively narrow ranges and/or for special conditions. The present investigation considers the interactions among active sites or bubbles and the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the boiling processes to analyze the stochastic and nonlinear features of boiling systems. A bubble size distribution function was derived using a bubble number balance. A new method was then proposed for predicting the pool nucleate boiling heat transfer flux. The present model is in good agreement with previous experimental results, which indicate that the theory presented is more reasonable than traditional theories. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.