STABILITY ANALYSIS FOR THE PREDICTION OF THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF FILM BOILING

The stability of film boiling on a vertical, constant temperature wall is analyzed by a steady-state small perturbation method. It was found that large amplifications of the perturbations in the downstream direction are predicted when the vapor Reynolds number falls below a critical value, indicating a great tendency to collapse the vapor film. Using a relatively simple model for the film thickness, the minimum wall temperature required to sustain the vapor film is calculated. The results show a tendency which is in agreement with experimental observation. It is suggested, however, that using a more accurate model for the film thickness can lead to a good prediction of the minimum wall temperature and explain the large effect of liquid subcooling, system pressure, surface tension and other fluid properties.