Numerical modelling of a vapour bubble growth in uniformly superheated liquid

The paper aims at studying numerically a vapour bubble growth in uniformly superheated liquid.

Time dependent mathematical and numerical models are developed. Based on the Stefan boundary condition, the rate of heat transfer at the vapour‐liquid interface and the rate of bubble growth are calculated.

It is found that, at the initial stage of bubble growth, both the growth rate and the mean Nusselt number at bubble interface have the maximum values, then they decrease with time; the rate of bubble growth also has a significant effect on bubble deformation; the growth tends to keep the bubble at its initial shape. In addition, the growth and deformation of a vapour bubble have much influence on temperature propagation in the vicinity of the bubble‐liquid interface; the temperature wake at the rear of the bubble occurs at high Reynolds number but does not appear at low Reynolds number.

The paper is based on the authors' original work, focusing on the behaviour of a vapour bubble in uniformly superheated liquid–an issue of importance in the field of boiling and two phase flow.