Mathematical modeling and computation of high-pressure steam condensation in a transonic flow

Abstract

Wet-steam flows under high-pressure conditions are numerically investigated using a newly derived condensation model that assumes a real gas and uses a real gas Equation of State (EOS). Under high-pressure conditions, the present condensation model calculates the critical radius of a water droplet that is larger than that of the conventional model. The results indicate that nucleation is initiated farther downstream in the nozzle and the nucleation rate is smaller. Wet-steam nozzle flows under high-pressure conditions are simulated and the results are compared with experimental results. The present model simulates the pressure increase due to the release of latent heat of condensation more accurately than the conventional method based on the ideal gas assumption. The results obtained are also in good agreement with the experimental results.