Experimental Investigation of Pool Boiling Heat Transfer and Critical Heat Flux on a Downward Facing Surface

Abstract

A separate effects experimental study of heat transfer and Critical Heat Flux (CHF) on a downward facing plate in subcooled water pool boiling is described. Two geometries of downwards facing surfaces are studied. The first is termed the ‘confined’ study in which bubble motion is restricted to the heated surface. The second is termed the ‘unconfined’ study where individual bubbles are free to move along the heated surface and vent in any direction. The method used in the confined study is novel and involves the placement of a lip surrounding the heated surface. The CHF as a function of angle of inclination of the surface is presented and in good agreement with other experimental data from somewhat different test geometry.