Assessment of condensation models for moist air transonic flow prediction

Abstract

The aim of this article is to thoroughly analyse the influence of condensation models on the modelling of condensation phenomena in transonic flow of moist air. The reason for the study was the fact that different condensation models are used by researchers to obtain satisfactory results of numerical modelling. The condensation models tested herein differ in the nucleation rate formula and the droplets growth equation. Four most often used condensation models were selected for detailed investigations. The results obtained from each model were compared with experiments for the nozzle flow. The main focus was on the location of the onset of the nucleation process. Moreover, the droplets growth intensity was compared and discussed. The nozzle flow CFD calculations were performed using the ANSYS Fluent commercial tool. Finally, the condensation model which is the most suitable for the moist air transonic flow was recommended.