Abstract:
The fluid flow and heat transfer behavior of gas-liquid twophase flows in square and rectangular microchannels is studied using a three-dimensional numerical simulation. The liquid film thickness, friction factor and heat transfer rate of the gas-liquid Taylor flow are investigated in detail using a volume of fluid method (VOF). The performance evaluation criterion (PEC) was used to compare the performance of using two-phase Taylor flow against a single-phase flow. The interface in the cross-section of the gas bubble has a saddle shape, resulting in a non-uniform film thickness at the wall. An enhancement in the rate of heat transfer was seen for increasing Reynolds number, decreasing gas volume fraction and decreasing slug length.