Atomization Rate of Gas-Centered Swirl-Coaxial Injectors (Preprint)
Abstract
Gas-centered swirl-coaxial injectors are garnering much interest in the area of liquid hydrocarbon rocket development. However, robust design criteria and scaling of these injectors remains unclear. Here an examination of primary atomization has been undertaken through the study of a gas-centered swirl-coaxial injector. Film length is measured experimentally over a range of operating conditions and injector geometries. Experiments are performed at atmospheric pressure using water and nitrogen as working fluids. The atomization rate, reflected in the length of the intact liquid film, is related to the momentum flux ratio. Using the characteristic dimensions for determining the bulk velocities of the fluids, the film lengths of various injector geometries may be collapsed onto a single curve of nondimensionalized length versus momentum flux ratio. The injectors tested have a geometry which produces separated gas flow just prior to contact with the liquid. The effect of this recirculation zone on initial film height is discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 19, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA483326
Entities
People
- Douglas G. Talley
- Malissa D. Lightfoot
- Stephen A. Danczyk
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory