Two-Phase Fluid Systems

Featured examples of two-phase fluid systems

Explore examples that illustrate modeling, control, and simulation of two-phase fluid systems.

Related Information

Thermodynamics (MathWorks Teaching Resources)

Featured Examples

Cavitation in Two-Phase Fluid

How two-phase fluid components can be used to simulate cavitation. The model is a translational mechanical converter driven by an oscillating pressure source. During the negative portion of the pressure source cycle, the fluid cavitates, reducing the force produced by the converter. As a result, the converter displacement drifts and does not return to the starting position.

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Fluid Vaporization in Pipe

Model the vaporization of water to generate steam. Liquid water enters the pipe at 370 K at a rate of 1 kg/s. The pipe is heated to 1000 K, causing the water flowing inside pipe to saturate.

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Two-Phase Fluid Refrigeration

Models a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle using two-phase fluid components. The compressor drives the R-134a refrigerant through a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The hot gas leaving the compressor condenses in the condenser via heat transfer to the environment. The pressure drops as the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve. The drop in pressure lowers the saturation temperature of the refrigerant. This enables it to boil in the evaporator as it absorbs heat from the refrigerator compartment. The refrigerant then returns to the compressor to repeat the cycle. The controller turns the compressor on and off to maintain the refrigerator compartment temperature within a band around the desired temperature.

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Rankine Cycle (Steam Turbine)

Models a steam turbine system based on the Rankine Cycle. The cycle includes superheating and reheating to prevent condensation at the high-pressure turbine and the low-pressure turbine, respectively. The cycle also has regeneration by passing extracted steam through closed feedwater heaters to warm up the water and improve cycle efficiency.

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Transcritical CO2 (R744) Refrigeration Cycle

Models a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle in which the high pressure portion of the cycle operates in the supercritical fluid region. The refrigerant is carbon dioxide (CO2), also called R744 in this application.

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