Structure of a supersonic gas-liquid jet at high liquid concentrations

Supersonic gas-liquid jets of a coaxial atomizer at high liquid concentrations are studied experimentally. A complex of optical techniques is used for studying the droplet sizes: visualization and particle image velocimetry, laser Doppler anemometry, and Malvern Spraytec instrument. The research shows that the velocity and concentration profiles change with flow rate growth: an extended region with small droplet velocities appears behind the bow shock wave; in this case, the concentration decreases significantly slower than that at low liquid flow rates. A small increase in the jet energy at liquid flow rates greater than 100 l/h and a noticeable increase in the droplet size testify that the gas jet capabilities for breaking up the liquid in the described regimes are exhausted.