Optimal stationary states in thermalhydraulics: Total reflux condensation

Reflux condensation in a weakly fluctuating stationary mode can be classified with dissipative. pattern-forming structures. In those states which possess a single phase region topping the two-phase region the steady state conservation equations do not uniquely determine the length of the two-phase column. This degeneracy can be removed in accord with the principle of maximum path probability by optimizing the rate of entropy production. Models of reflux condensers with one and several cooling jackets which possess a maximal state are presented. The model predicts the general features of the experimental data without recourse to empirical correlations.