Modelling of Pressure-Drop Instability in Single and Multi Microchannels System

In the paper the model of pressure-drop oscillations has been proposed. The model was based on the iterative solution to equations. The dynamics of pressure-drop oscillations in a single channel and in two neighbouring channels have been analyzed. There has been assumed that the pressure-drop oscillations in the system are caused by interactions between the heat supply system and liquid supply system. These interactions influence the heat and mass transfer inside the microchannel. Obtained results indicate that the shape of pressure drop curve has a significant influence on the system stability. When the slope of curve ? = () in the region between function extremes increases then the pressure oscillations become chaotic. In case of multichannel system the thermal interactions (occurring through the channel walls) and hydrodynamic interactions (occurring inside the common channels outlet) have been considered. Four types of two-phase flow behaviours in parallel channels have been observed depending on the intensity of interactions: alternate oscillations, consistent oscillations, periodic oscillations and completely synchronized oscillations. Obtained qualitative results have been compared with conclusions of experimental results reported by other researches. The good qualitative agreement with experimental results has been obtained.