Modeling of Internal Flow in High Pressure Swirl Injectors

First, this paper presents four models (three zero and a one dimensional model) for predicting injector performances. The theoretical approaches of these four models are presented in details. A critical review of these models has been made possible by using a huge experimental database where more than 3000 injectors have been experimentally tested. In particular, authors show that the one dimensional model allows a very accurate prediction of both static flow rate and cone angle and takes into account more internal dimensions than the zero dimensional models. In a second part of the paper, a coupling between the one dimensional model with a model that predicts the linear stability of conical sheets is proposed. This coupling allows the determination of a theoretical drop diameter that is representative of the large droplets of the spray. An illustration of this coupling is proposed by comparing theoretical drop diameter with the experimental Sauter mean diameter for one injector tested in a large range of injection pressure (5-100 bar).