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Two-Phase Flow

    The laboratory has a $1M two-phase test package that has been flown on reduced gravity aircraft numerous times. This facility is able to produce monitored single phase flow streams that are mixed to produce a desired two-phase/single component flow test condition using refrigerant based working fluid. The two-phase flow is then directed through two test sections, which have been used for visualization, hardware evaluation, and sensor validation. The use of a unique two-phase pump eliminates the need for a heater and produces highly accurate test conditions for two-phase investigations. Data is taken from numerous instruments using high speed digital data acquisition system as well as video and high speed (1000 fps) digital imagery. A recent addition to the two-phase flow facility is the Large Diameter Test Package shown during a recent reduced gravity flight. The air/water system utilizes a phase separator to recycle the liquid and is able to produce all liquid to all gas flow through test sections on the order of two inches in diameter. The ITP has extensive experience in the development of two-phase flow systems for testing under reduced gravity conditions.