Thermodynamics bifurcations of boiling structure

Boiling system is a typical open dissipative structure. The criterion for the transition of boiling modes is derived based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics. It is found that the transitions between different boiling regimes correspond the first thermodynamics bifurcation and second thermodynamics bifurcation: system develops tending to minimize the entropy generation. The self-organized transition processes among different boiling modes caused by the interactions among active sites or dry patches that result in the formation of boiling dissipative structure are then revealed from dynamic perspective. The present studies not only theoretically explain the experimental observations from other researchers, but also give deeper insight on essences of the transitions between different boiling modes. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.