Advances in droplet aerobreakup

Secondary atomization of a liquid droplet can be achieved by subjecting it to a high-speed gas stream. This is referred as the aerodynamic breakup, and is encountered in various natural and industrial processes. Here we present a concise review and discussion on the developments of the aerodynamic breakup for Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquid droplets. We discuss different breakup modes, suitable non-dimensional numbers, and the role of hydrodynamic instabilities in the perspective of droplet atomization. Special attention is given to the shock induced atomization of polymeric and liquid metal droplets.

Automated summary

This paper presents a concise review and discussion on the developments of aerodynamic breakup for Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquid droplets. Different breakup modes, suitable non-dimensional numbers, and the role of hydrodynamic instabilities in droplet atomization are discussed. Special attention is given to the shock induced atomization of polymeric and liquid metal droplets.