Internal flow effects in prefilming airblast atomizers Mechanisms of atomization and droplet spectra

Two-dimensional models are employed in the present investigation of fuel atomization with prefilming airblast nozzles. High speed films of the deterioration of the liquid film close to the atomizing edge reveal the dynamics of the liquid's deterioration and the motion of the film during drop formation. Droplet size measurements obtained by a light scattering technique emphasize the dominant role of air velocity at the atomizing edge. Droplet size distribution can be easily determined if the arithmetic mean value of the air velocity in both ducts is known. The present measurements show that the liquid mass flow atomized remains relatively small, and that droplet sizes are equivalent to those produced at the atomizing edge.