The Effect of Channel Surface Roughness on Two–Phase Flow Patterns: A Review

Małgorzata Sikora, Tadeusz Bohdal, Katarzyna Tandecka (), Wojciech Kacalak and Thomas G. Mathia ()
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Małgorzata Sikora: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Energy, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-620 Koszalin, Poland
Tadeusz Bohdal: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Energy, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-620 Koszalin, Poland
Katarzyna Tandecka: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Energy, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-620 Koszalin, Poland
Wojciech Kacalak: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Energy, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-620 Koszalin, Poland
Thomas G. Mathia: Laboratoire de Tribologie et Dynamique des Systemes (LTDS), Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 69134 Lyon, France

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-26

Abstract: This review article highlights the critical impact of surface roughness in modifying the structure of two-phase flow within mini- and microchannels, particularly in processes such as boiling and condensation. Channel surface roughness enhances flow resistance, affects the distribution of vapor bubbles, and enhances heat transfer by providing additional nucleation sites. Several experiments have shown that while increased surface roughness enhances the efficiency of heat transfer, increased flow resistance may hurt system performance. This is so because too high a surface roughness negatively impacts flow resistance, a factor of importance in the optimization for a balance between heat transfer and flow resistance, especially in high-performance compact heat exchangers. Furthermore, the review identifies that higher-degree measurement and characterization techniques of the surface roughness are increasingly required, as traditional 2D parameters may not fully represent the actual physics of complex surface interactions in two-phase flow systems. Consequently, the article calls for further research that can examine the exact relationship between roughness, flow structure, and thermal performance with the aim of improving design strategies for future heat exchanger technologies.

Keywords: two-phase flows; heat transfer; flow velocity; flow patterns; surface roughness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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