Effects of Force Fields on Interface Dynamics in view of Two-Phase Heat Transfer Enhancement and Phase Management in Space Applications

Phase change is generally the most effective method to transfer heat. When phase change is present, an interface between the two phases exists. The dynamics of interfaces is a very important topic for everything concerning heat transfer. Since the two phases are characterized by a strong density difference, gravity is in most cases essential to separate them. When gravity lacks, the two phases are mixed together and there is no preferential direction where the less dense phase can go. The purpose of this work is to prove the feasibility, reproducibility and reliability in the use of the electric field as a replacement of gravity in separating the two phases and enhancing heat transfer. The dissertation will discuss several years of experimental investigations dealing with droplets and bubbles, with and without transfer of heat, momentum and mass across the interface, with and without the gravity field, with and without the electric field. Finally, the used tools, literature and new models implemented to derive all forces acting on the interfaces will be discussed in order to complete the analysis from an experimental and theoretical point of view.