Abstract
A gas-liquid two-phase flow in a curved micro-channel is encountered in many applications, such as a separator fot polymer electrolyte fuel cells. However, sufficient information on fundamental parameters in two-phase flow in a curved micro channel, such as flow pattern and pressure drop are not available in designing such devices. In the present investigation, detailed observations on the flow patterns and measurements for pressure drop characteristics affect by curvature effect in a capillary tube were carried out. The hydraulic diameter of the serpentine capillary tube was 2.0mm, and the radii of curvature were 1.0mm and 3.0mm. The flow pattern and pressure drop are characterized by the surface tension between the gas and liquid phases and also by the surface wettability of the tube wall.
