Numerical modeling of turbulent flow structure and heat transfer in a droplet-laden swirling flow in a pipe with a sudden expansion

This contribution presents the mathematical model to simulate the swirling turbulent gas-droplet flow in a sudden pipe expansion. The set of axisymmetrical steady-state Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations (RANS) for the two-phase flow is utilized. The dispersed phase is modeled by the Eulerian approach. The flow swirl causes an increase in the intensity of heat transfer (more than 1.5 times compared with the nonswirling mist flow at other identical inlet conditions). Evaporation of the droplets leads to a significant increase in the heat transfer intensity in the swirling two-phase flow (more than 2.5 times compared with the single-phase flow).