Aerodynamic Influences on Droplet Atomization in an Electrostatic Spray

Abstract

To investigate aerodynamic influences on liquid atomization in an electrostatic spray, the diameter, velocity and velocity-size correlation characteristics of droplets were simultaneously measured using phase Doppler techniques. The processes associated with the break-up of charged jets were also observed using laser sheet flow visualization. Experiments were carried out using heptane, which was doped with an antistatic additive to enhance its electrical conductivity to that of a semiconductor. The electrostatic atomization of the liquid depended primarily on the charging voltage, and the droplet size distribution was characterized by two peaks. Aerodynamic influences on the atomization of the liquid in electrostatic sprays decreased with charging voltage. The velocity-size correlation of droplets reflected the atomization mechanism.