Filmwise condensation from a flowing vapor onto isothermal, axisymmetric bodies

A model is developed for the study of laminar, filmwise condensation from flowing vapors onto isothermal, axisymmetric bodies. The method extends and combines earlier theoretical work, and relies upon earlier experimental studies. However, it is unique in as much as it geometrically generalizes these ideas, and removes a previously imposed assumption. Although the simplifications (in particular the asymptotic shear stress approximation) render the model slightly less accurate than numerical solutions of the coupled two-phase conservation equations, the results appear to be accurate within a few percent, and it is much simpler and easier to apply. A planar geometry (the cylinder in crossflow) is used to verify the analysis, and then it is applied to a cone at a zero angle of attack, and a sphere in a uniform flow. These have hot previously appeared in the literature.