Numerical simulation of spray atomization in crossflow using an empirical primary atomization model

The hybrid Eulerian-Lagrangian approach is used to simulate the atomization process of spray jet in subsonic crossflow. A coupled Volume of Fluid (VOF) - Lagrangian Particle Tracking (LPT) solver is implemented in the open -source platform OpenFOAM to solve the governing equations for the continuous and discrete phase respectively. An empirical model for primary atomization is proposed, in which the aerodynamic effect is taken into account, along with the turbulence effect. Thus, it is suitable for the flow at a low liquid-gas density ratio, i. e., less than 500. The performance of the presented model is evaluated and verified by comparisons of the simulated results with the experimental data. The flow characteristics of flow fields and distribution of droplet diameters are analyzed in detail. It is revealed that the vortex structures have a direct impact on the distribution of the droplets. The effects of the empirical constants in the atomization model are also examined. Finally, it is shown that the model performs better for the flow at a higher Weber number, in which the aerodynamic effect is more significant.