Numerical modelling of a vapour bubble growth in uniformly superheated liquid

Purpose - The paper aims at studying numerically a vapour bubble growth in uniformly superheated liquid. Design/methodology/approach - Time dependent mathematical and numerical models are developed. Based on the Stefan boundary condition, the rate of heat transfer at the vapour-liquid interface and the rate of bubble growth are calculated. Findings - It is found that, at the initial stage of bubble growth, both the growth rate and the mean Nusselt number at bubble interface have the maximum values, then they decrease with time; the rate of bubble growth also has a significant effect on bubble deformation; the growth tends to keep the bubble at its initial shape. In addition, the growth and deformation of a vapour bubble have much influence on temperature propagation in the vicinity of the bubble-liquid interface; the temperature wake at the rear of the bubble occurs at high Reynolds number but does not appear at low Reynolds number. Originality/value - The paper is based on the authors'original work, focusing on the behaviour of a vapour bubble in uniformly superheated liquid-an issue of importance in the field of boiling and two phase flow.