Development of a fully coupled injection/atomization code

A fully coupled injection/atomization code capable of resolving both orifice internal flow and the resulting spray pattern is under development. This code utilizes a homogeneous flow analogy for treatment of two-phase flow aspects. In this context, a pseudo-density, which varies in extent between gas and liquid densities, is prescribed on an unsteady basis by tracking individual droplets and assessing local void fraction. Droplets are launched from the periphery of the jet in accordance with a sub-grid scale model including aerodynamic (Kelvin-Helmholtz) and surface tension forces. Droplet tracking modules include the capability to consider droplet collisions, drop deformation under aerodynamic forces, and secondary atomization events. The code is implemented in a quasi-axisymmetric formulation to track a representative sample of droplets in the flowfield.