Effervescent atomization at injection pressures in the MPa range

The spray characteristics of an effervescent atomizer operating in the MPa injection pressure range are reported. This work will serve as a preliminar y study in the effort to apply effervescent atomization to the fuel injecti on process in Diesel engines. Spray mean drop size (D-32) and drop size dis tribution width (indicated by the Rosin-Rammler exponent N) are reported as functions of injection pressure, atomizing gas-to-liquid-ratio by mass (GL R) exit orifice diameter, aerator tube geometry, and radial distance from t he spray centerline. Spray cone angle is also reported as a function of inj ection pressure and GLR. D-32 is seen to increase slightly with an increase in GLR and to decrease with an increase in exit orifice diameter. The aera tor tube geometry is seen to have some influence on D-32. Finally, the spra y cone is found to widen with an increase in GLR and injection pressure.