Electric Field Effects on the Stability of Vapor Microlayers: Enhancement of Heat Transfer
The effect of dc electric fields on destabilization of a vapor microlayer formed during film boiling at various subcooling levels is investigated. High voltage electric fields up to 2000 volts were applied between a 127 μm heater wire and a screen electrode that is concentrically placed at a radius of 25 mm. The qmax and qmin heat fluxes were also measured for the various subcooling and electric field strengths. Up to 50% increase in the qmax and the qmin heat fluxes were observed when using the electric fields in this range of experimental parameters. The relationship among subcooling level for a given fluid, the heat flux level, and the electric field strength required to reach the qmin condition is of interest. The preliminary experimental results and the bubble departure and transition boiling patterns resulting from destabilization of the vapor microlayer are discussed.