FUEL SPRAY VAPORIZATION IN HUMID ENVIRONMENT

The vaporization and transport of a monodisperse fuel spray in a cold, humid environment are analyzed, allowing for the possibility that the water vapor may condense, either heterogeneously at the droplet surface or homogeneously in the gas medium, as the spray interior is chilled through fuel vaporization. Results show that the associated condensation heat release is substantial and can significantly enhance the fuel vaporization rate, especially for the heterogeneous mode. It is further found that after initiation of vaporization the droplet temperature rapidly approaches a characteristic, constant value with heterogeneous condensation; this renders analytical solution possible. Potential complications caused by water condensation during spray experimentation are also discussed. © 1979.