The physics of coal liquid slurry atomization]. Annual report 1992

Abstract

In order to understand the physics of atomization and to predict and improve the performance of atomizers, a survey on the effects of turbulence on atomization has been made. The influence of gas turbulence intensity on the disintegration of a liquid jet, while a constant mean velocity in both gas and liquid streams has been maintained, has been studied. A study has been made of the influence of changing dynamic surface tension on liquid surface wave characteristics and atomization. The dynamic surface tension of water was changed by adding Triton X-100 non-ionic surfactant into the liquid supplied to a two dimensional slot atomizer. Wave frequencies were measured using laser beam attenuation. Dynamic surface tension changes were found to influence liquid sheet disintegration with little effect on wave frequencies. A series of experiments have been conducted to determine the fundamental processes of injection and atomization of liquid propellants for rocket combustion chambers because of their direct influence on combustion instability. For coaxial injectors, liquid and gas flow rates have been progressively changed. Microphotography was used to obtain details of wave disturbances on liquid surfaces. Direct measurements were made of wavelength and frequency of wave propagation on liquid surfaces. Frequency was found to remain constant along the length of the liquid surface. Pulsations in the liquid jet caused drops to form clusters with the same frequency as that of jet surface waves. Measured frequencies were in the range of those measured in combustion instability experiments. Detailed measurements have been made in the sprays using the phase Doppler particle analyzer. Measurements of drop size, velocity and number density are related to the disintegration process. Increasing turbulence intensity in the gas stream is a very effective means of reducing drop size, increasing spray width, and therefore, improving combustion.