A criterion for the onset of a slug flow in a horizontal duct is derived theoretically. A potential flow analysis is carried out by considering waves of finite amplitude. The stability criterion is obtained by introducing the wave deformation limit and the “most dangerous wave” concept in the stability analysis. The present theoretical criterion for slug formation shows very good agreement with a large number of experimental data and with some empirical correlations.
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Mishima et al. (1980) studied this question.