Numerical modeling of spray secondary atomization with the Euler-Eulerian multi-fluid approach

Abstract

This research presents numerical modeling of the spray process using the Euler-Eulerian multi-fluid approach where the standard WAVE secondary breakup model was improved and validated. The standard WAVE model tends to overestimate the creation of smaller diameter droplets in the Eulerian multi-fluid framework, which reflects as an inaccurate droplet distribution. Improvements include an introduction of probability distributions and a breakup factor into the secondary atomization model. They distribute calculated mass transfer into a number of Eulerian classes, thus alleviating the excessive creation of small diameter droplets. The model is validated by simulating the injection of high-pressured liquid fuel into the cold, non-reactive surrounding. The results are compared with experimentally obtained data of spray characteristics including spray tip penetration, spray angle, Sauter mean diameter, as well as droplet number and volume distributions. The modified model describes the spray breakup process in the Euler-Eulerian multiphase approach better than the original one.