In this paper, a fractal model for nucleate pool boiling heat transfer is developed based on the fractal distribution of sites (areas) of nucleation sites on boiling surfaces. Algebraic expressions for the fractal dimension and area fraction of nucleation sites are derived, which are shown to be a strong function of wall superheat. The predicted fractal dimension is shown in good agreement with those determined by the box-counting method. The fractal model for nucleate boiling heat transfer is found to be a function of wall superheat, the contact angle of the fluid and the heater material, and physical properties of the fluid with a minimum number of empirical constants. The predicted total heat flux from a boiling surface based on the present fractal model is compared with existing experimental data. An excellent agreement between the model predictions and experimental data is found, which verifies the validity of the present fractal model.
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A Fractal Model for Nucleate Pool Boiling Heat Transfer
Boming Yu,
Boming Yu
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P.R. China
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Ping Cheng, Fellow ASME
Ping Cheng, Fellow ASME
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P.R. China
Search for other works by this author on:
Boming Yu
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P.R. China
Ping Cheng, Fellow ASME
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P.R. China
Contributed by the Heat Transfer Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF HEAT TRANSFER. Manuscript received by the Heat Transfer Division September 26, 2001; revision received June 14, 2002. Associate Editor: T. Y. Chu.
J. Heat Transfer. Dec 2002, 124(6): 1117-1124 (8 pages)
Published Online: December 3, 2002
Article history
Received:
September 26, 2001
Revised:
June 14, 2002
Online:
December 3, 2002
Citation
Yu, B., and Cheng, P. (December 3, 2002). "A Fractal Model for Nucleate Pool Boiling Heat Transfer ." ASME. J. Heat Transfer. December 2002; 124(6): 1117–1124. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1513580
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