ID 301

Effect of Momentum Flux Ratio on the Primary Breakup Dynamics of a Canonical Coaxial Atomizer with Comparison to X-ray Radiography

 

Abstract:

Sprays are ubiquitous in engineering systems and the ability to control them would lead to significant improvements in technology. To determine the optimal avenue for control of these systems, a comprehensive characterization of spray formation is needed. To this end, we perform high fidelity simulations of an atomizing jet exiting from a canonical coaxial air-blast atomizer. These simulations focus on the near-field region where the initial destabilization of the liquid core occurs. The simulations are performed at various co-flowing gas velocities, varying the gas Reynolds number and momentum flux ratio while keeping the liquid Reynolds number fixed. Phase tracking is handled using a discretely conservative geometric Volume of Fluid (VOF) method. We compare volume fraction statistics from simulations to experimental X-ray attenuation data, enabling quantitative comparisons of radial liquid volume fraction profiles. X-ray data was obtained by our collaborators at the University of Washington and Iowa State University using Argonne National Lab's Advanced Photon Source.