A semi-empirical model for pool boiling over porous surfaces is presen
ted. The pressure drop across the porous surface is estimated using Da
rcy's law. The significance of the latent heat flux contribution for h
ighly porous surfaces is examined. Two nucleation factors are defined
and correlated in terms of measurable quantities using literature data
. An expression for the total heat flux in terms of the wall superheat
, pore geometry and the physical properties of the liquid is presented
. The present model matches well with literature data on pool boiling
over porous surfaces, both flat surfaces and tubes from four different
sources, thus validating the present approach.