Development and verification of a computer model of cross-flow atomization

This project was undertaken to develop and validate a computer model of the atomization of a liquid jet injected perpendicularly into a subsonic gas stream. The computer model predicts the mean drop size of the spray as well as the trajectory of the liquid jet. Existing correlations of experimental data were used to validate the drop size calculation. For the trajectory validation, an experimental apparatus was designed and built. This apparatus has a 1 x 4 x 24 inch test section and can provide air velocities up to about 200 ft/sec. Liquid jet diameter is easily varied by means of an interchangeable orifice insert. Liquid velocities between 35 and 75 ft/sec have been achieved. Testing to date, for a single orifice diameter, showed good agreement between the trajectory calculated using the atomization computer model and the experimental results.