View source for Lockhart–Martinelli parameter

The '''Lockhart–Martinelli parameter''' (<math>\chi</math>) is a [[dimensionless number]] used in internal [[two-phase flow]] calculations.<ref>Lockhart, R.W., Martinelli, R.C.; Chem. Eng. Prog., Vol. 45. 1949, pp. 39–48</ref>  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 is defined as:

: <math>
\chi = \frac{m_\ell}{m_g} \sqrt{\frac{\rho_g}{\rho_\ell}},
</math>

where

*'''<math>m_\ell</math>''' is the liquid phase mass flowrate;
*'''<math>m_g</math>''' is the gas phase mass flowrate;
*'''<math>\rho_g</math>''' is the gas [[density]];
*'''<math>\rho_\ell</math>''' is the liquid [[density]].

== See also ==

* [[Wet gas]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lockhart-Martinelli Parameter}}
[[Category:Dimensionless numbers]]