Numerical Analysis of the Primary Breakup Applying the Embedded DNS Approach to a Generic Prefilming Airblast Atomizer

Abstract

An improved understanding of the breakup processes of two-phase flows is essential to effectively control the fuel atomization for future aircraft engines. A detailed insight into the phenomena of primary breakup is a major limitation in gaining this knowledge. Aircraft engines use airblast atomizers to provide the fuel atomization. The geometries of airblast atomizers are complex, the operating conditions are characterized by high Reynolds- and Weber numbers. Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of liquid breakup under realistic conditions and geometries are hardly possible. The embedded DNS (eDNS) concept aims to fill this gap. The concept consists of three steps: a geometry simplification, the generation of realistic boundary conditions for the DNS and the DNS of the breakup region. The realistic annular airblast atomizer geometry is simplified to a planar geometry. Inside this domain the eDNS is located. The eDNS domain requires the generation of boundary conditions. A zonal Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of the turbulent channel flow is performed prior to the DNS. The parameters are stored transiently on the “virtual” DNS inlet planes. These variables are then mapped to the DNS. The Volume of fluid (VOF) method is used to solve for the two-phase flow. DNS are performed for a shear-driven liquid wall film and for a generic planar prefilming airblast atomizer. As the Reynolds and Weber number for the first operating point (OP) are low (Reair = 5,333/Wefilm = 1.9), the liquid wall film as well as the liquid sheet show no surface waves. For the second case with Reair = 13,333 and We film = 11.9, the surface appears more wrinkled and streamwise waves are transported along the wall for the shear-driven wall film. Instantaneous snapshots in 2–D and 3–D illustrate the qualitative behavior of the liquid sheet in time. Leaving the prefilmer trailing edge, the liquid sheet starts to oscillate in a sinusoidal fashion. This oscillation appears crucial for the onset of primary breakup. The qualitative characterization of the breakup for OP 1 and OP 2, yield to the distinction of the stretched ligament breakup for the former, and the torn-sheet breakup for the latter O P. The breakup time for OP 1 is longer than for OP 2. This study proves the applicability of the eDNS concept for investigating breakup processes as the transient nature of the phase interface behavior can be captured. The approach offers the potential of simulating realistic annular highly-swirled airblast atomizer geometries under realistic conditions.