Hydrodynamics and heat transfer associated with condensation on a moving drop: solutions for intermediate Reynolds numbers

Abstract

The hydrodynamics and heat/mass transport associated with condensation on a moving drop have been investigated for the intermediate Reynolds-number range of drop motion (Re = O(100)). The drop environment is a mixture of saturated vapour and a non-condensable. The formulation entails a simultaneous solution of the quasi-steady elliptic partial differential equations that describe the flow field and transport in the gaseous phase, and the motion inside the liquid drop. The heat transport inside the drop is treated as a transient process. Results are reported for the interfacial velocities, drag, external and internal flow structure, heat flux, drop growth rate and temperature–time history inside the drop. The results obtained here have been compared with experimental data where available, and these show excellent agreement.The results reveal several novel features. The surface-shear stress increases with condensation. The pressure level in the rear of the drop is higher. As a consequence, the friction drag is higher and the pressure drag is lower. The total drag coefficient increases with condensation rate for small values of drop size or temperature differential, and it decreases for large values of these parameters. The volume of the separated-flow region in the rear of the drop decreases with condensation. At very high rates of condensation, the recirculatory wake is completely suppressed. Condensation also delays the appearance of the weak secondary internal vortex motion in the drop. The heat and mass fluxes are significantly affected by the presence of the non-condensable in the gaseous phase and by the circulation inside the drop.