NAVIER-STOKES FLOW FOR THE INITIAL-STAGE OF ATOMIZATION

A nonlinear theory of atomization is given. The governing equations are the Navier-Stokes equations. The boundary conditions involve the unknown boundary of an atomizing jet. The relevant system of partial differential equations are reduced to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by use of the Galerkin projection and a finite difference discretization respectively in the radial and the axial direction of the jet. The reduced system is solved numerically with given initial conditions for various flow parameters. The theoretical results reveal that origin of atomization is the pressure fluctuation at the core of the liquid jet. This pressure fluctuation subharmonically resonates the interfacial capillary waves which lead to the formation of ligaments which are the precursors of the atomized droplets. © 1990.