Film Thickness and Velocity Distribution in a Splash-Plate Atomizer: Comparison between Simulations and Experiments

Abstract

A 3D computational model is presented for the simulation of fluid flow and spray in a<br><br>splash-plate atomizer. The model combines the solution of continuity and momentum<br><br>equations with an algorithm for free surface tracking in presence of an arbitrary nozzle<br><br>shape. The model simulates the flow through the nozzle and predicts the formation of a<br><br>liquid film and spray droplet size at the nozzle exit. Close agreement between numerical<br><br>results and measurements for film thickness and velocity distributions validates the<br><br>model and its underlying assumptions. The effect of viscosity on liquid film thickness<br><br>and velocity is also investigated; for a liquid with a higher viscosity, the liquid film is<br><br>thicker and its velocity is smaller.