Theoretical analysis on the atomization characteristics of liquid nitrogen jets

Atomization with cryogenic fluids is complicated due to the combined effects of both the mechanical breakup and thermodynamic flashing. However, the weight of the two effects on the atomization has not been determined yet. This paper proposes a hybrid mathematical model to evaluate the weight of the thermodynamic effect and aerodynamic effect. The entire process of jet spray breakup, including the primary breakup and secondary atomization, is described in the model. A linear stability analysis is carried out using the dispersion equations for the primary breakup. In the secondary atomization, the Taylor analogy breakup and bubble micro-explosion models are employed to study aerodynamic and thermodynamic effects on the atomization, respectively. The homogeneous nucleation is implemented in the bubble micro-explosion models. A criterion is obtained which can be evaluated to predict the dominant effect. Accordingly, the influence of factors such as ambient pressure and other physical parameters on the atomization process is analyzed. The results reveal that, under low ambient pressure, thermodynamic flashing is stronger. Besides, the mechanical action is restrained when the surface tension is increased.