Atomization of Viscous Liquid Sheets.
Abstract
The atomization of liquid sheets is investigated via the linear and nonlinear instability theory. It is found that liquid viscosity reduces the growth rate and dominant wave number of disturbances. An increase in the gas-to-liquid density ratio raises the growth rate of disturbances. Surface tension always opposes the development of instability. Sinuous waves dominate the instability process at large We number. The results of the nonlinear theory indicate that maximum thinning and subsequent rupture of the sheet into ligaments occur at positions corresponding to half the length of the fundamental waves. The growth of disturbances corresponds to a combination of a basic sinuous mode and a dilational first harmonic. The mechanisms of disintegration of constant thickness and attenuating liquid sheets are studied. The sheet breakup length, the size of the drops, and the spray angle produced by its disintegration are estimated. Both the breakup length and the drop size decrease as We number is increased. The spray angle is reduced by increasing We number. The present theoretical predictions are compared with empirical correlations and experimental data and good agreement is observed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 27, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA310017
Entities
People
- Essam A. Ibrahim
Organizations
- Tuskegee University