Theoretical prediction of droplet diameters based on energy conservation law

Chihiro Inoue, Toshinori Watanabe, Takehiro Himeno, Seiji Uzawa, Mitsuo Koshi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A theoretical model is proposed and validated for calculating droplet diameters and size distributions. The model is derived based on the energy conservation law including the surface free energy and the Laplace pressure. Under several hypotheses, the law derives an equation indicating that atomization results from kinetic energy loss. Thus, once the amount of loss is determined, the droplet diameter is able to be calculated without the use of experimental parameters. When the effects of ambient gas are negligible, injection velocity profiles of liquid jets are the essential cause of the reduction of kinetic energy. The minimum Sauter mean diameter produced by liquid sheet atomization is inversely proportional to the injection Weber number when the injection velocity profiles are laminar or turbulent. A non-dimensional distribution function is also derived from the mean diameter model and Nukiyama-Tanasawa's function. The new estimation methods are favorably validated by comparing with corresponding mean diameters and the size distributions, which are experimentally measured under atmospheric pressure.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication48th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2012
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1 2012
Externally publishedYes
Event48th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2012 - Atlanta, GA, United States
Duration: Jul 30 2012Aug 1 2012

Publication series

Name48th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2012

Other

Other48th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta, GA
Period7/30/128/1/12

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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