Hydrodynamics And Heat Transfer Of Falling Liquid Films

Falling Liquid Films gives a detailed review of state-of-the-art theoretical, analytical and numerical methodologies, for the analysis of dissipative wave dynamics and pattern formation on the surface of a film falling down a planar inclined substrate. This prototype is an open-flow hydrodynamic instability, that represents an excellent paradigm for the study of complexity in active nonlinear media with energy supply, dissipation and dispersion. It will also be of use for a more general understanding of specific events characterizing the transition to spatio-temporal chaos and weak/dissipative turbulence. Particular emphasis is given to low-dimensional approximations for such flows through a hierarchy of modeling approaches, including equations of the boundary-layer type, averaged formulations based on weighted residuals approaches and long-wave expansions. Whenever possible the link between theory and experiment is illustrated, and, as a further bridge between the two, the development of order-of-magnitude estimates and scaling arguments is used to facilitate the understanding of basic, underlying physics. This monograph will appeal to advanced graduate students in applied mathematics, science or engineering undertaking research on interfacial fluid mechanics or studying fluid mechanics as part of their program. It will also be of use to researchers working on both applied, fundamental theoretical and experimental aspects of thin film flows, as well as engineers and technologists dealing with processes involving isothermal or heated films. This monograph is largely self-contained and no background on interfacial fluid mechanics is assumed.

I welcome the opportunity to have my book translated, because of the great emphasis on two-phase flow and heat transfer in the English-speaking world, as related to research, university education, and industrial practice. The 1988 Springer-Verlag edition of "Warmeiibergang beim Kondensieren und beim Sieden" has been enlarged to include additional material on falling film evaporation (Chapter 12) and pressure drop in two-phase flow (Chapter 13). Minor errors in the original text have also been corrected. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Professor Green, Asso ciate Professor of German at Rensselaer, for his excellent translation and co operation. My thanks go also to Professor Bergles for his close attention to technical and linguistic details. He carefully read the typescript and made many comments and suggestions that helped to improve the manuscript. I hope that the English edition will meet with' a favorable reception and contribute to better understanding and to progress in the field of heat transfer in condensation and boiling. February 1992 K. Stephan Preface to the German-Language Edition This book is a continuation of the series "Heat and Mass Transfer" edited by U. Grigull, in which three volumes have already been published. Its aim is to acquaint students and practicing engineers with heat transfer during condensa tion and boiling, and is intended primarily for students and engineers in mechanical, chemical, electrical, and industrial processing engineering.