Theoretical Investigation of the Influence of Liquid Physical Properties on Effervescent Atomization Performance

Abstract

Background. A comprehensive model in the Eulerian-Lagrangian scheme is used to investigate the performance of the gas-droplet two-phase flow for a typical effervescent atomization spray with different atomized liquids. Method of Approach. Based on the particle tracking method, the droplet primary and secondary breakup, droplets collision and coalescence are taken into consideration. Results. The predicted droplet mean size is compared well with the published experimental data. The influences of liquid physical properties are discussed not only on droplet mean size, but also on droplet velocity, distribution, events of breakup and collision, Weber number, Ohnesorge number and their evolutions. Conclusions. Results show liquid viscosity has a slight effect on the droplet size and its distribution. While a decrease in liquid surface tension serves to get finer droplets and wider droplet spatial distribution. Small liquid density, surface tension and viscosity are benefit for getting higher atomized droplet velocity.