A MODEL FOR GAS-LIQUID SLUG FLOW AT REDUCED GRAVITY CONDITIONS

The gas-liquid slug flow pattern exists over a broad range of flow rate space at reduced gravity conditions and for that reason is expected to be widespread in many space applications. The objective of this work was to develop a model predicting the characteristics of slug flow at reduced gravity including the bubble length, shape, velocity and other properties of the slug flow. Observations derived from low-gravity experiments suggested the use of a boundary layer-type approach. Multiple solutions exist, and a criterion for selecting the solution which corresponds to experimental observation is indicated.