On Spray Combustion: Spray Formation and Droplet Gasification

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Spray combustion is employed in several power generation systems; that is, fuel is injected into a combustion chamber as a liquid, which then breaks up and atomizes into droplets. Droplets' evaporate and the formed vapor mixes with the oxidant, which then makes it possible for a flame (i.e., fuel burning) to take place. The process of liquid breakup and atomization dictates the rate of droplets formation, and the droplet vaporization process controls the burning/combustion rate. The phenomenon of spray (two-phase flow) combustion has been studied extensively in the literature; however, it is still poorly understood. This is owing to the complexity of this phenomenon which is controlled by a variety of factors, such as fuel injector's geometrical parameters, liquid properties, and ambient conditions (e.g., flow properties, pressure, temperature, combustion chamber geometry). The proposed research aims at studying and contributing to the understanding of this phenomenon by focusing on two very important aspects, which are related but still can be studied separately; a) liquid breakup and atomization, and b) vaporization and combustion of fuel droplets. The overall goal of this project is to find new data that will guide new approaches for sustainable solutions to reducing the emission of pollutants while maximizing fuel efficiency. A good understanding of all processes involved in spray combustion is essential for designing cleaner power combustion-based systems. This will position Canada at the forefront of the development of this technology, which may lead to an increase in Canada's economic activity in the energy utilization/combustion industries (e.g., automobile and aerospace, as well as industrial burners).