Numerical Investigation of Liquid Jet Breakup in Rotary Atomizer

Abstract

This study investigates the breakup behavior of liquid jets in both linear and rotary atomization using numerical simulations based on the volume of fluid (VOF) method. The results reveal the significant role of gas–liquid interactions, with jet curvature, driven by Coriolis and centrifugal forces, playing a crucial role. Various breakup patterns, including primary and satellite droplets, emerge due to nonlinear instabilities. Simulations accurately reproduce experimental droplet size distributions, highlighting the importance of gas–liquid interactions and jet curvature in rotary atomization.