SPRAY CHARACTERIZATION - NUMERICAL PREDICTION OF SAUTER MEAN DIAMETERAND DROPLET SIZE DISTRIBUTION

A simplified equation of the Nukiyama-Tanasawa type for droplet size d istribution in sprays is obtained from the synergetic concept of entro py information, assuming spherical droplets and zero and infinity as t heir limit sizes. The introduction of Sauter mean diameter (SMD) defin ition in that equation yields a new distribution function dependent so lely on SMD, which is calculated from available correlations for press ure-jet and pre-filming airblast atomizers. For plain-jet airblast ato mizers a new and dimensionally consistent correlation is determined. S everal droplet size distributions are then predicted. Experimental dat a are compared with predictions of SMD; the agreement is satisfactory. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.