Fundamental and Higher-Mode Density-Wave Oscillations in Two-Phase Flow

This paper treats the oscillatory two-phase flow instabilities commonly referred to as density-wave oscillations. A dynamic analysis of the single-phase region of a boiling channel, accounting for wall heat capacity and the effect of pressure variations on the movements of the boiling boundary, is summarized. Experiments conducted with a Freon-113 channel at atmospheric pressure revealed the existence of “higher-mode” oscillations. These appeared at high subcoolings and low power levels and were characterized by unexpectedly short periods that were fractions of the transit time. The presence of the higher modes and other observations are explained in terms of the dynamic behavior of the boiling boundary.