Numerical analysis of the 3-D flow field of pressure atomizers with V-shaped cut at orifice

Abstract

Axisymmetric liquid jets have been studied extensively for more than one century, while non-axisymmetric jets are also very common in engineering applications but attract less concern. Based on Eulerian fluid-fluid model in Fluent software, this article analysizes the 3-D flow fields of pressure atomizers with V-shaped cut at orifice, which will result in a non-axisymmetric liquid jet. Flow rate analysis and jet structure analysis are carried out, the results show that the flow rate can be formulated by adding a correction coefficient to the formula of inviscid axisymmetric jets in atomization regime, when the Weber number is low enough to make the flow fall out of atomization regime, and the jet structure together with the flow rate formula will change. Analysis shows that the evolution of the spray and therefore the structure of the liquid jet are affected much by relative velocity and the local volume fraction of liquid phase.