XBOIL

Jun 10, 2026 · 1 min read

Overview

XBOIL is an open-source MATLAB framework for rapidly and systematically evaluating heat flux partitioning formulations and bubble-dynamics sub-models. Its zero-dimensional, point-averaged formulation isolates boiling-model behaviour from turbulence, interfacial transport, mesh and numerical uncertainties associated with full computational fluid dynamics simulations.

Capabilities

  • Independently select heat flux partitioning formulations and bubble-parameter sub-models.
  • Exhaustively evaluate thousands of model combinations in milliseconds per configuration.
  • Compare predictions against pool- and flow-boiling experimental databases.
  • Investigate model compatibility, sensitivity and generalisability across operating conditions.
  • Extend the modular framework with new closures from the literature.

XBOIL was developed for the study Evaluations of boiling heat flux partitioning and bubble parameter models using a 0-D framework, published in the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer.

View XBOIL on GitHub

MATLAB Boiling Models Heat Flux Partitioning Multiphase Flows Open Source
Omid Bidar
Authors
Omid Bidar
Postdoctoral Research Associate