AIRBLAST ATOMIZATION - EFFECT OF LINEAR SCALE ON MEAN DROP SIZE

Experimental and analytical studies are made of the factors governing the mean drop size of sprays produced by prefilming airblast atomizers. The test program includes wide variations in liquid and air properties, but is concerned primarily with the effect of atomizer linear scale on mean drop size. Three geometrically similar atomizers, having cross-sectional areas in the ratio of 1:4:16, and with prefilmer lip diameters of 19. 05, 38. 10 and 76. 20 mm, are employed. It is found tht spray quality declines with increase in atomizer size. A dimensionally correct equation for relating the experimental data on mean drop size to the flow variables and atomizer dimensions is derived.