An improved theoretical formulation for Sauter mean diameter of pressure-swirl atomizers using geometrical parameters of atomization

This study discusses the development of a mathematical model that is capable of predicting the drop size mean diameter of the spray generated by a pressure swirl atomizer, considering the effects of the liquid's viscosity and the geometrical parameters of this type of injector, as well as the angle of incidence of the inlet channels (j and b) and atomization parameters (k, 8), obtained from hyperbolic relations. Additionally, this model investigates the phenomena of rupture and stability that are observed in the conical liquid film, in which the importance of a new geometrical parameter of atomization, x , which immediately influ-ences the drop size diameter of the spray, should be highlighted. The results that are obtained using this model are compared with analytical results of Couto, Wang and Lefebvre, Jasuja, Radcliffe and Lefebvre, experimental results and numerics (Hollow cone atomization model), using the Ansys Fluent software for the validation and consistency of the model proposed in Rivas (2015). This model yields good approximations as compared to that yielded using other alternative mathematical models, demonstrating that the new atomization geometric parameter x is an adjustment factor that exhibits considerable significance while designing pressure swirl atomizers according to the required SMD. Furthermore, this model is easy to use, with reliable results, and has the advantage of saving computational time. 2022 The Authors. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.

Automated summary

This study discusses the development of a mathematical model for predicting the mean diameter of spray droplets generated by a pressure swirl atomizer. The model takes into account the viscosity of the liquid, geometrical parameters of the atomizer, as well as the angle of incidence and atomization parameters. The model also investigates the phenomena of rupture and stability in the liquid film, highlighting the importance of a new geometrical parameter that influences the droplet size diameter. Comparisons with analytical and experimental results demonstrate the accuracy and significance of the model.