ELECTROSTATIC ATOMIZATION OF CONDUCTING LIQUIDS USING AC SUPERIMPOSEDON DC FIELDS

The objective of this study is to investigate the possibility of using electrostatic atomization to produce fine ceramic particles starting from highly conducting ceramic precursor solutions. The work was direc ted towards carrying out experimental investigation for the production of uniform droplets formed by the breakup of permanent jet extending from the capillary nozzle. To control the atomization process an ac fi eld (sine wave) was upperimposed on a dc field. For given parameters o f electrostatic field, capillary diameters, resistivity of liquids, an d flowrate, the jet formation and breakup process was investigated. Se veral regimes were observed to be in synchronization with the applied potentials and frequencies. In these regimes uniform droplets were pro duced. Optical techniques were employed to study the breakup process.