Experimental and numerical investigation of a swirl atomizer

Experimental and numerical study on a small swirl atomizer with complex structure were conducted, In the experimental research, the relationship between pressure difference of atomizer and mass flow rate was decided. In numerical research, 3-D gas-liquid flow in the atomizer was calculated by employing VOF method, which was validated by the experimental data with good agreement each other. Then, with this methodology, flow process in the atomizer with different structure and dimension was simulated. After analysis about these numerical results, it was found that: the atomizer exit velocity can be affected by both the structure and dimension of swirl-chamber and swirler, however, the atomization angle is mainly affected by the screw rise angle and the number of the swirl-er grooves.