Significance of Flow Visualization in Microchannels

In order to comprehend the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of two phase flow through mini-microchannels, identification of different flow regimes prevailing in two phase flow is considered to be the first and most important step towards the analysis and this is being done using high speed flow visualization techniques. The main objective of the flow visualization study is to provide insight into flow distribution, flow regimes, and transition characteristics in microchannels. The thermohydraulic performance of these reduced size channels are strongly influenced by the number of flow regimes encountered. All those factors that can affect the flow regimes need to be identified for improved design of microchannel heat sinks. The summary of flow patterns recorded during flow visualization is presented in the Table 2.1 below.