Study on Drag Coefficients for Two Groups of Bubbles

To apply the two-fluid model to a wide range of flow regimes in gas-liquid two-phase flows, the gas phase is categorized into two groups: small spherical/distorted bubbles as Group 1 and large cap/slug/churn-turbulent bubbles as Group 2 in the modeling of interfacial area transport. The interfacial transfer terms of momentum and energy for the gas phase are then divided into two groups accordingly in the implementation of the two-group interfacial area transport equation to the two-fluid model. Thus, the drag coefficients and the interfacial heat transfer for each group bubbles need to be developed. An approach has been sought for evaluating the drag coefficients of each bubble group based on a comprehensive experimental data base obtained in air-water upward flows in various size round pipes. Comparisons have been made with the theory of the drag coefficients and it was found that the agreement is not very satisfactory although the general trends can be predicted by the current approach.