Study on atomization and evaporation characteristics of liquid jets under shock wave action in supersonic flow

Abstract

This paper focuses on investigating the impact of incident shocks on the atomization, evaporation, and diffusion characteristics of a liquid jet in supersonic flow. By adjusting the position of the shock wave generator, the interaction between the incident shock wave and the wall can be modified. The gas–liquid two-phase flow process is solved using the Euler-Lagrange method, allowing for the analysis of the atomization, evaporation, and mixing processes of kerosene. Through a thorough examination of the numerical simulation results, the underlying mechanisms by which shock waves affect the breakup and evaporation of kerosene are revealed. The findings indicate that the passage of the airflow through the incident shock wave leads to an increase in temperature and pressure. This, in turn, accelerates the evaporation process of kerosene droplets, resulting in a deeper penetration of kerosene vapor. The penetration depth can be increased by up to 39.7 %. Additionally, the decrease in airflow velocity after the shock and the formation of vortex structures in the flow field, caused by the incident shock, effectively enhance the diffusion and mixing of kerosene. These results provide valuable insights for improving the mixing characteristics of fuel atomization and evaporation, ultimately enhancing the subsequent combustion process.