Numerical study of an evaporating meniscus on a moving heated surface

Abstract

The present study is performed to numerically analyze an evaporating meniscus on a moving heated surface. This phenomenon is similar to the one observed at the base of a vapor bubble during nucleate boiling. The complete Navier-Stokes equations along with continuity and energy equations are solved. The liquid vapor interface is captured using the level set technique. A column of liquid is placed between two parallel plates with an inlet for water at the top to feed the meniscus. The location of water inlet at the top is kept fixed and the bottom wall is imparted with a velocity. Calculations are done in two-dimensions with a fixed distance between the plates. The main objective is to study the velocity and temperature fields inside the meniscus and calculate the wall heat transfer. The results show that the wall velocity creates a circulation near the meniscus base causing increased wall heat transfer as compared to a stationary meniscus. The local wall heat transfer is found to vary significantly along the meniscus base, the highest being near the advancing contact line.