A new robust modeling strategy for multi-component droplet heat and mass transfer in general ambient conditions

Liquid fuels used for spray combustion processes are predominantly composed of several mixed components. The atomization of a liquid jet forms multi-component liquid droplets. These droplets are subject to heat and mass transfers in a vast range of atmosphere configurations, resulting in complex interactions. This example of spray combustion summarizes the diversity of scenarios that a droplet may experience in a spray flow. Unfortunately, available models in the literature exhibit limitations for characterizing such complex interactions. This work proposes a novel modeling strategy to account for such interactions in diverse scenarios grounded in a consistent computational approach. We derive a new formulation from general transport equations of the gas phase. We validate the resulting model by comparing numerical results with available experimental data and consider binary mixtures of liquids evaporating in different ambient conditions. Compared to other reference approaches, the proposed model proves to be efficient in all tested scenarios, including severe atmosphere compositions and states. Additional differential diffusion effects among participating species are observed, not only for mass but also for heat transfer. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Liquid fuels used in spray combustion processes are composed of mixed components, forming multi-component liquid droplets that undergo complex heat and mass transfers in various atmospheric conditions. Existing models have limitations in characterizing these interactions, prompting the proposal of a novel modeling strategy. The new model, derived from general transport equations of the gas phase, proves to be efficient in all tested scenarios, showing differential diffusion effects among participating species for mass and heat transfer.