A novel spray system inspired by the bombardier beetle

Abstract

In this paper we describe an experimental rig which has been built as a result of inspiration from the bombardier beetle. This beetle is such that it has the capacity to fire a spray of hot water, steam and noxious chemicals from a nozzle at the rear end of its abdomen in any direction it wishes (even over its head). An example of controlled combustion in nature, it has led to first to simulations using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) of the spray system and the testing of an experimental rig replicating the physical process of the beetle system. The experiments verified the theories developed through the CFD simulations and produced excellent results that have important applications in different industries dealing with sprays such as drug delivery inhalers, fuel injectors and fire-fighting water mists. This novel spray technology has the trademark μMist™.