Analysis of liquid film characteristics for gas-liquid annular flow in micro-channel.

The liquid film characteristics play a key role in understanding the two-phase flow mechanism in micro-channel. In the present study, the numerical analysis of the liquid film characteristics for gas-liquid annular flow in micro-channel was performed, and the influences of vapor quality as well as the liquid properties on liquid film thickness were investigated. The coupled level set and volume of fluid (CLSVOF) method was used to capture the gas-liquid interface. The results show that the instability of gas-liquid interface occurs and the wave exists in gas-liquid annular flow in micro-channel. The wave amplitude decreases with the increase of vapor quality, and the turbulence increases with the increase of liquid viscosity. The dimensionless liquid film thickness decreases with the increase of vapor quality, and changes with the liquid properties.