Eulerian–Lagrangian modeling of spray G atomization with focus on vortex evolution and its interaction with cavitation

Abstract

Internal flow is closely related to energy consumption and emissions because of its dominant role in the atomization process. The intricate three-phase flow patterns in an orifice were studied based on modified cavitation and turbulence models. Interacting vorticities and their interactions with cavitation were analyzed using vorticity identification methods and the vorticity transport equation. The paired vortex was formed before cavitation inception, and the cavitation inception occurred invariably inside the vortex core, indicating that cavitation was triggered by vortex evolution. Cavitation patterns affect the vorticity transport that further affects atomization. The internal flow data were then extracted and coupled to a hybrid break-up model with finer characteristic scales.The spray morphologies of different types of fuel at various operating conditions were obtained using diffused back illumination method to validate the proposed model. The predictions obtained from the coupled model were consistent with experimental results, exhibiting less dependence on the grid at the same time. The results of this study can supplement experimental measurements to explore the correlation between cavitation-modulated vortex transport and spray behavior.