Lockhart–Martinelli parameter

Template:Short description Template:One source The Lockhart–Martinelli parameter ($\chi$) is a dimensionless number used in internal two-phase flow calculations. It expresses the liquid fraction of a flowing fluid. Its main application is in two-phase pressure drop and boiling/condensing heat transfer calculations. It was first used by R. W. Lockhart and Raymond C. Martinelli in 1949.

It is defined as:

$\chi =\frac{m_{\ell }}{m_g}\sqrt{\frac{{\rho }_g}{{\rho }_{\ell }}},$

where

• $m_{\ell }$ is the liquid phase mass flowrate;
• $m_g$ is the gas phase mass flowrate;
• ${\rho }_g$ is the gas density;
• ${\rho }_{\ell }$ is the liquid density.

See also

• Wet gas

References

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