Review of Flow Blurring Atomization: Advances and Perspectives
Agisilaos Kourmatzis, Othman J. Jaber, Gajendra Singh, Assaad R. Masri
Abstract
This review summarizes the state of the art of flow blurring atomization, focusing both on fundamental aspects of this atomization mode as well as key observations made from applications of flow blurring. Flow blurring is an internal-twin fluid atomization method that offers effective interphase turbulent mixing and very fine liquid sprays. The features of this mode of liquid breakup make it attractive for applications in liquid fuel spray combustion, although it also offers potential benefits to applications requiring the atomization of non-Newtonian liquids, for example, such as in polymer filament manufacturing. This review concisely covers features of the internal nozzle flow of flow blurring atomizers, the effect of the orifice geometry on the spray, the behavior of the near-field spray region, the effect of liquid physical properties on droplet behavior, and general observations of reacting flow blurring sprays. Consistencies among the various research conducted is highlighted throughout the review, and this information, along with identified gaps in our understanding, is used to offer suggestions for future research.