A study of the effects of the location of flashing inception on maximum and minimum critical two-phase flow rates: Part I — experimental Original Research Article

The results of an experimental study of critical two-phase flow of saturated and subcooled water through long tubes are reported. The location of flashing inception was accurately controlled through the use of a new device. This allowed for a systematic study of the effects of the location of flashing inception on the critical mass flux. Data were obtained for different stagnation temperatures, pressures and test section length. The results show that a range in the critical mass flux exists for each stagnation condition. This range was dependant on the location of flashing inception. The critical mass flux was found to increase with a decrease in the superheat at flashing inception. A decrease in this superheat also occurred as the location of flashing inception was moved upstream.