On the estimation of specific interfacial areas in aerated flows

TL;DR

This paper clarifies the definitions of specific interfacial areas in aerated flows, emphasizing the distinction between different types relevant for modeling air-water mass transfer, to improve future model development.

Contribution

It provides a clear clarification of fundamental definitions of interfacial areas in aerated flows, addressing misconceptions and aiding future model accuracy.

Findings

Clarification of interfacial area definitions

Distinction between interfacial areas related to mixture and water

Implications for air-water mass transfer modeling

Abstract

This work provides a short clarification on the definition of specific interfacial areas in aerated flows, thereby distinguishing between the specific interfacial area related to the volume of an air-water mixture, and the specific interfacial area related to the water volume. This distinction is important when it comes to solving the air-water mass transfer equation, as there has been some misconception on the past. It is hoped that this contribution will help to clarify on these basic fundamentals, which is anticipated to be important for the future development and application of advanced air-water mass transfer models to aerated flows.