Experimental study on the effect of plasma excitation on the atomization characteristics of aviation kerosene transverse jet

•A new method for assisted atomization with plasma jets is proposed.•Independently designed experiments demonstrate that this new approach is feasible.•With the new method, the SMD is reduced by 6.31%–31.91%. In order to explore the critical technology of plasma application to assist fuel atomization, a jet discharge plasma excitation atomization device was independently designed. And the test of fuel atomization characteristics were carried out. The effects of Ar volumetric flow and peak voltage on Sauter mean diameter (SMD) and penetration depth were investigated. The experimental results show that the introduction of plasma can significantly improve atomization characteristics. The introduction of plasma has significantly improved the atomization characteristics, and the SMD is reduced by 6.31%–31.91%. Plasma-assisted regulation can be achieved by changing the peak voltage and Ar volumetric flow. Ar jet plasma excitation inhibits the penetration of single-hole fuel jets in lateral airflow. The regulation of the longitudinal upper and lower boundaries of the single-hole fuel jet can be achieved by changing the peak voltage and Ar volumetric flow. Compared with the traditional atomization device, the new plasma excitation atomization device can produce a better atomization effect. The better the atomization effect, the more thoroughly the fuel particles can be mixed with the air, which can not only considerably shorten the combustion time, but also the more complete the combustion. In addition, it can promote energy saving and emission reduction and prolong the engine’s life. In general, the new plasma atomization device provides a new idea for the future direction of atomization.