On pool boiling at microscale level: The effect of a cavity and heat conduction in the heated wall

In this paper a numerical study of pool boiling at microscale level is presented using the lattice Boltzmann approach. Applying various geometrical configurations for the heated plate, the bubble departure diameter and release period are determined from the simulation results as the function of heat flux, wettability and gravity. Finally the evolution of the temperature field of the heated plate is studied.

► Nucleate boiling is studied in microscale level by the lattice Boltzmann method. ► Bubble growing and detachment are influenced by the presence of cavities. ► The effect of conjugate heat transfer is also demonstrated. ► Relationships between key parameters of nucleate boiling are presented.