Computational fluid dynamics and its application to liquid-atomization and spray systems

The applicability of computational fluid dynamics to liquid-atomization and spray (LAS) systems is reviewed. While the computer simulation of many LAS phenomena presents difficulties that cannot yet be overcome, flows on or in a spinning-disk, spinning-cup, impinging-jet, swirl and diesel atomisers; and small-scale phenomena such as the impingement of a droplet on a wall, or the collision of two drops are suitable for computerized simulation. Aspects of LAS systems which must be handled by statistical methods are discussed. Three idealizations are described. It is suggested that a combination of two of the idealizations may permit realistic modeling of the ignition and burn-out processes undergone by fuel sprays.