Laminar film flow phenomena: Theory and application to the two phase closed thermosyphon

A theoretical model is developed to predict the hydrodynamic features of asymptotic wavy flow states. The model accurately predicts published experimental data for mean film thickness, trough-to-crest dimension, wave celerity, and wavelength. The Nusselt theory for laminar film condensation is shown to significantly under-predict existing experimental data due to the presence of waves on the condensate film surface. A heat transfer model is developed incorporating the wavy film hydrodynamic model results. Other thin film phenomena are described, including continuous film breakdown, rivulet flow, and sputtering. All of these phenomena are present in the operation of a heat transfer device.