Explorations of surface and cavity properties on the nucleate boiling of carbon tetrachloride

Natural convection and pool boiling heat transfer were observed on centrally heated, flat superfinished nickel surfaces using thoroughly degassed, spectroscopic grade carbon tetrachloride at 0.5, 1, and 1.5, atm. pressure. Three distinct modes of natural convective circulation were observed and surface superheats as high as 125°F. were recorded. Single and multiple cylindrical cavities (0.0002 to 0.001 inch in diameter) served as active nuclei. Each cavity exhibited characteristic ebullition and disarming temperature excesses which were indicative of critical internal geometries.