A review on techniques to alter the bubble dynamics in pool boiling

Boiling phenomena exhibits a complex nature in many ways with chaotic bubble dynamics being one of them. Understanding the dynamic behavior of vapor bubbles in pool/flow boiling is an issue of great importance in many engineering applications. Despite their ambiguity, contemporary researchers acknowledged bubbles as a powerful scientific tool. In this regard, many strategies have been devised to exploit the bubble dynamics for various applications. Here, we aim to review recent strategies adopted for tailoring the pool boiling bubble dynamics. In particular, this article overviews the effects of nanofluids, additives, micro/nanoporous structured surfaces, electric and magnetic fields on the bubble dynamics, and critical heat flux (CHF). We assess these strategic impacts on vapor bubble behavior through the themes of force field and mechanics. This review article also includes a compilation of prominent models and equations for predicting the forces acting on the vapor bubble. Further, we highlight the possible physical mechanisms governing the critical heat flux with vivid illustrations. In the pursuit of knowledge, we summarise the current interdisciplinary approaches adopted for manipulating the bubble dynamics. Finally, the key challenges and future research directions in bubble dynamics are also discussed.

Automated summary

Understanding the dynamic behavior of vapor bubbles in pool/flow boiling is of great importance in engineering applications. This article reviews recent strategies adopted for tailoring the pool boiling bubble dynamics and assesses their impacts on bubble behavior.