Modeling the behavior of a two‐phase flow apparatus in microgravity Available to Purchase

There are many unknown parameters in two‐phase flow in microgravity environment. The database is incomplete and therefore correlations are unknown. This has prompted theoretical and experimental work in the area. A Phillips Laboratory program is currently exploring this area. The Phillips Laboratory experiment is a closed loop rankine cycle with a boiler, condenser/subcooler, accumulator and a pump. The work reported herein attempts to model the Phillips Laboratory Apparatus using a thermal‐hydraulic software modeling system called Sim‐Tool, developed by Mainstream Engineering. This work also explores the limitations of software modeling a microgravity environment. Results of this modeling effort indicate that Sim‐Tool needs further development in order to correctly predict two‐phase flow in a microgravity environment.