Comparison of different analytical models for heat and mass transfer characteristics of an evaporating meniscus in a micro-channel

Based on the augmented Young-Laplace equation and lubrication theory, a detailed analytical model predicting the heat and mass transport characteristics of the evaporating meniscus in a micro-channel is developed. The present model solves the third-order differential equation of the film thickness and the first-order differential equation of the liquid average velocity simultaneously. The different models for thermal performance of the evaporating meniscus are also compared to each other. It is found that both the film thickness and cumulative heat flux by the present model are in good agreement with the results by the previous models. The total heat flux of evaporating meniscus based on interface temperature calculated by Clausius-Clapeyron equation is far higher than that obtained by Wayner's interface mass flux model.