Superficial momentum flux

In vertical downward flow as well as in upward and downward inclined flows, the flow patterns that can be observed are essentially similar to those described above, and the definitions used can be applied. Experimental data on flow patterns and the transition boundaries are usually mapped on a two dimensional plot. Two basic types of coordinates are generally used for this mapping - one that uses dimensional coordinates such as superficial velocities, mass superficial velocities, or momentum flux and another that uses dimensionless coordinates in which some kind of dimensionless groups are used as coordinates. The dimensional coordinates maps are inherently limited to the range of data and flow conditions under which the experiments were conducted. In spite of this limitation, it is widely used because of its simplicity and ease of use. Figure 24 provides an example of such a map. 

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