Numerical study of condensing bubble in subcooled boiling flow using volume of fluid model

In this numerical study, the behavior of condensing bubble was investigated using the volume of fluid (VOF) model in the FLUENT code. In order to simulate the condensing bubble with the FLUENT code, the bubble condensation was modeled using the user-defined function (UDF). For the validation of the UDF of bubble condensation, the results of CFD simulation were compared with the results of a bubble condensation experiment performed in Seoul National University (SNU). Simulation results showed good agreements with the experimental data. Moreover, the fundamental behavior of the condensing bubble was investigated in various conditions. The effects of condensation on bubble behavior were analyzed by comparing the behavior of condensing bubbles with that of adiabatic bubbles. It was found that the behavior of the condensing bubble was different from that of the adiabatic bubble in many respects including the bubble shape, velocity, rise distance and moving trajectory. ► This study models the bubble condensation using UDF in FLUENT code. ► This study analyzed the behavior of condensing bubble using VOF model with the UDF. ► Bubble condensation increases the bubble velocity. ► Condensing bubble travels longer than adiabatic bubble during same amount of time. ► Bubble condensation accelerates the lateral migration of bubble in liquid.