Available Simplified Semi-empirical Correlation to Predict Hollow Spray Cone Angle for Practical Pressure Swirl Atomizers with Viscous liquid

Abstract

Pressure swirl atomizers are widely utilized in engineering, agriculture and medical treatment. The spray cone angle is one of the most important parameters for pressure swirl atomizers. The spatial distribution of sprays and droplets is closely dependent on the spray cone angle. In our previous study, an improved semi-empirical correlation is derived based on the rotational kinetic energy loss caused by the friction to predict the viscous spray cone angles. However, this correlation is relatively complicated and not convenient for the quick prediction of the hollow spray cone angle. In order to achieve quick prediction of the hollow spray cone angle with acceptable prediction accuracy, a simplified semi-empirical correlation is proposed in the present study. This simplified semi-empirical correlation is obtained by simplifying our previous correlation based on proper assumptions. Further, this simplified semi-empirical correlation could accommodate the effects of geometrical parameters, operating conditions and liquid properties on the spray cone angle. Besides, a series of experiments with variations of geometrical parameters, operating conditions and liquid properties have been done to validate the simplified semi-empirical correlation. The hollow spray cone angles predicted by this simplified semi-empirical correlation agree well with the experimental results. The prediction uncertainties could be within ±15% for all cases.