Effect of Square and Triangular Mini-Channel Cross-Section on Infrared Transceiver Signal Characteristics during Bubble and Slug Two-Phase Flows

N, Braghadesh; K, Sowndarya; N, Mithran; Muniyandi, Venkatesan

doi:10.22059/jchpe.2026.411036.1715

Effect of Square and Triangular Mini-Channel Cross-Section on Infrared Transceiver Signal Characteristics during Bubble and Slug Two-Phase Flows

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Braghadesh N ¹

Sowndarya K ²

Mithran N ³

venkatesan muniyandi ⁴

¹ School of Mechanical Engineering, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur

² School of Mechanical Engineering SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur - 613401, Tamil Nadu, India

³ Associate Professor, Department of Mechantronics Engineering, Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India

⁴ School of Mechanical Engineering, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India

10.22059/jchpe.2026.411036.1715

Abstract

Multiphase flows occur in many naturally occurring processes and Industrial applications. A comprehensive understanding of multiphase flow behavior in mini and microchannels is critical, as these channels are widely used in microthrusters, heat exchangers, petrochemical industries, and mini and microreactors. In the present work, adiabatic two phase flow experiments are carried out in a square channel with sides of 2.0 mm and a thickness of 0.50 mm. The behavior of an infrared transceiver sensor during two phase flows of bubble and slug in a square channel is reported in the study. A numerical model is developed in COMSOL Multiphysics to compare the effects of flow regimes on the behavior of the IR transceiver signal in a square and a triangular channel of equivalent cross-sectional area. The results indicate that the IR sensor is sensitive to the test section cross-section and the flow regime geometry. Fluid density and viscosity are of secondary importance compared to the medium's refractive index for an IR Transceiver.

Keywords

Two-phase flows

mini channels

IR sensor

Image processing

COMSOL

Subjects