ABSTRACT
The atomization process is essentially one in which bulk fuel is converted into small drops. It represents a disruption of the consolidating inuence 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, which has the minimum surface energy. Liquid viscosity has an adverse effect on atomization because it opposes any change in system geometry. On the other hand, aerodynamic forces acting on the liquid surface 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.
