ABSTRACT

The atomization process is essentially one in which bulk liquid is converted into small drops. Basically, it can be considered as a disruption of the consolidating influence of surface tension by the action of internal and external forces. In the absence of such disruptive forces, surface tension tends to pull the liquid into the form of a sphere, since this has the minimum surface energy. Liquid viscosity exerts a stabilizing influence by opposing any change in system geometry. On the other hand, aerodynamic forces acting on the liquid surface may promote the disruption process by applying an external distorting force to the bulk liquid. Breakup occurs when the magnitude of the disruptive force just exceeds the consolidating surface tension force.