Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment Flow Boiling Module

The proposed research aims to develop an integrated two-phase flow boiling/condensation facility for the International Space Station (ISS) to serve as a primary platform for obtaining two-phase flow and heat transfer data in microgravity. By comparing the microgravity data against those obtained in Earth’s gravity, it will be possible to ascertain the influence of body force on two-phase transport phenomena in pursuit of mechanistic models as well as correlations, and to help determine the minimum flow criteria to ensure gravity independent flow boiling and condensation. This research is a joint effort between the Purdue University Boiling and Two-Phase Flow Laboratory (PU-BTPFL) and the NASA Glenn Research Center. Personnel from the two organizations combine extensive experience in research and development of both flow boiling and condensation systems, and in conducting microgravity experiments.

The objectives of the Flow Boiling and the Flow Condensation Experiment (FBCE) in the long duration microgravity environment of the ISS are to:
1. Develop experimentally validated, mechanistic model for microgravity flow boiling critical heat flux (CHF) and dimensionless criteria to predict minimum flow velocity required to ensure gravity independent CHF.
2. Develop experimentally validated, mechanistic model for microgravity annular condensation and dimensionless criteria to predict minimum flow velocity required to ensure gravity independent annular condensation. Also, develop correlations for other condensation regimes in microgravity.
3. Obtain flow boiling data (heat flux, flow visualization, the wall temperature difference) in long duration microgravity environments for a well characterized heating surface as functions of liquid inlet mass velocity and subcooling.
4. Obtain flow condensation data (heat flux, flow visualization, the wall temperature difference) in long duration microgravity environments for a well-characterized condensing surface as functions of inlet quality and flow rate of condensing vapor. Specific tasks for the study will be as follows.