Modeling of bubble dynamics in single diabatic microchannel

A newly developed mechanistic model of bubble dynamics in single microchannel is presented in this paper. The comparison between high-speed visualization and simulation results shows that this model is capable of capturing the transient flow regime and slug velocity inside of single microchannel and predicting flow reversal. The model quantitatively demonstrates the mechanism of flow reversal. Within one periodic cycle, the evolvement of flow regime, pressure distribution along channel length and mass flux at tube inlet are well correlated with each other. The local pressure peak caused by the build-up of downstream flow resistance can cause negative pressure gradient, which induces flow reversal.