Impact of a boiling liquid: Droplets and breaking waves in thermal equilibrium

Bernardo Palacios Muñiz

Research output: ThesisPhD Thesis - Research UT, graduation UT

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Abstract

During the transport of cryogenic fuels, such as liquid natural gas, the liquid fuel is surrounded by its own vapour in thermal equilibrium. In such conditions, minute exchanges of energy can trigger phase change, making the physics surrounding liquid impact phenomena extremely complex. In consequence, the prediction of loads, due to liquid impact on the walls of the container, is simply impossible with currently available tools. This thesis is an experimental study of fundamental solid-liquid impact phenomena, when the liquid is surrounded and in thermal equilibrium with its own vapour, i.e., when it is what we call a boiling liquid. Using high speed photography, state-of-the-art sensors and novel imaging techniques, we have performed an exhaustive campaign of two fundamental experiments at very different scales, namely of the impact of droplets and breaking waves over solid surfaces, while in boiling liquid conditions. During our research, we have found that phase change, along with other complex phenomena, plays a crucial role in liquid-solid impact: such as suppressing the entrapment of vapour underneath a droplet or, on a much larger scale, driving large pressures due to the collapse of the vapour pocket between a breaking wave and a wall. The work on this thesis, not only aims to expand our understanding of impact phenomena by introducing phase change, but also to improve the understanding behind the loads that cryogenic fuel tanks are subjected to.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • University of Twente
Supervisors/Advisors
  • van der Meer, Devaraj, Supervisor
  • Lohse, Detlef, Supervisor
Award date16 Oct 2024
Place of PublicationEnschede
Publisher
Print ISBNs978-90-365-6318-5
Electronic ISBNs978-90-365-6319-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Oct 2024

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