A paper presents additional information on the subject matter of “Model of Mixing Layer With Multicomponent Evaporating Drops” (NPO-30505), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 28, No. 3 (March 2004), page 55. To recapitulate: A mathematical model of a three-dimensional mixing layer laden with evaporating fuel drops composed of many chemical species has been derived. The model is used to perform direct numerical simulations in continuing studies directed toward understanding the behaviors of sprays of liquid petroleum fuels in furnaces, industrial combustors, and engines. The model includes governing equations formulated in an Eulerian and a Lagrangian reference frame for the gas and drops, respectively, and incorporates a concept of continuous thermodynamics, according to which the chemical composition of a fuel is described by use of a distribution function. In this investigation, the distribution function depends solely on the species molar weight. The present paper reiterates the description of the model and discusses further in-depth analysis of the previous results as well as results of additional numerical simulations assessing the effect of the mass loading. The paper reiterates the conclusions reported in the cited previous article, and states some new conclusions.
Some new conclusions are:
- The slower evaporation and the evaporation/condensation process for multicomponent-fuel drops resulted in a reduced drop-size polydispersity compared to their single-component counterpart.
- The inhomogeneity in the spatial distribution of the species in the layer increases with the initial mass loading.
- As evaporation becomes faster, the assumed invariant form of the molecular-weight distribution during evaporation becomes inaccurate.
This work was done by Josette Bellan and Patrick Le Clercq of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Physical Sciences category.
NPO-30641
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Simulations of Evaporating Multicomponent Fuel Drops
(reference NPO-30641) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document titled "Technical Support Package for Simulations of Evaporating Multicomponent Fuel Drops" (NPO-30641) is a NASA Tech Brief that presents research findings related to the behavior of multicomponent fuel drops during evaporation. This research is particularly relevant to aerospace applications, where understanding fuel dynamics can enhance performance and efficiency.
The document outlines the methodologies used in the simulations, emphasizing the importance of continuous thermodynamics in accurately modeling the evaporation process of fuel drops. The study investigates how different components within a fuel mixture interact and evaporate under various conditions, which is crucial for optimizing fuel formulations and improving combustion efficiency in aerospace engines.
Key findings from the research include insights into the evaporation rates of different fuel components, the effects of temperature and pressure on these rates, and the implications for fuel drop behavior in a mixing layer. The results are significant for the design of more efficient propulsion systems, as they can lead to better fuel atomization and combustion characteristics.
The document also serves as a resource for further exploration in the field, providing references to additional publications and resources available through the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program Office. This access to a broader range of research materials allows for continued learning and development in the area of fuel drop dynamics.
Furthermore, the document includes contact information for the NASA STI Help Desk, offering support for those seeking more detailed information or assistance related to the research. It emphasizes that the findings are part of a broader initiative under NASA's Commercial Technology Program, aimed at disseminating aerospace-related developments with potential applications in various technological and commercial sectors.
In summary, this Technical Support Package encapsulates critical research on the evaporation of multicomponent fuel drops, highlighting its significance for aerospace technology. It provides a foundation for future studies and applications, contributing to advancements in fuel efficiency and performance in aerospace systems.
