Force fields effects on pool boiling heat transfer

This paper summarizes more than 20 years of research aimed at studying the effects of electrical and gravitational force fields on boiling heat transfer. Results obtained on several microgravity platforms are presented and the role played by the electric field is described herein. The regimes of nucleate boiling and film boiling, together with the parameters controlling the liquid-vapor interface instability and its effect on the critical heat flux, are outlined with regard to pool boiling. In addition, the promising technique of ion injection for efficient heat transfer enhancement by generation of liquid jets is described, together with the experimental results obtained in pool boiling and with some attempts of theoretical interpretations. The following dielectrics were employed: R113, Vertrel XF, FC-72, and HFE-7100.