Expansion rates of bubble clusters in superheated liquids

Abstract

[EN] The present work analyses the growth of multiple bubbles in superheated liquid jets by means of direct numerical simulations (DNS). A discontinuous Galerkin approach is used to solve the Euler equations and an adequate interface resolution is ensured by applying finite-volume sub-cells in cells with interfaces. An approximate Riemann solver has been adapted to account for evaporation and provides consistency of all conserved quantities across the interface. The setup mimics conditions typical for orbital manoeuvring systems when liquid oxygen (LOX) is injected into the combustion chamber prior to ignition. The liquid oxygen will then be in a superheated state, bubble nucleation will occur and the growth of the bubbles will determine the break-up of the liquid jet. The expansion rates of bubble groups under such conditions are not known and standard models rely on single bubble assumptions. This is a first DNS study on bubble-bubble interactions in flash boiling sprays and on the effects of these interactions on the growth rates of the individual bubbles. The present simulations resolve a small section of the jet close to the nozzle exit and the growth of bubble groups inside of the jet is analysed. The results suggest that an individual bubble within the group grows more slowly than conventional models for single bubble growth would predict. The reduction in bubble growth can amount to up to 30% and depends on the distances between the bubbles and the number of bubbles within the bubble group. In the present case, the volume expansion of the superheated liquid decreases by approximately 50% if the distance between the bubbles is doubled.