The performance characteristics of prefilming airblast atomizers depend largely on the shear stresses in each of the two air supply channels. As an extension of previously reported results, experiments were conducted using an atomizer model with separately controlled air ducts and typical prototype nozzles. It was shown that the quality of atomization can be limited due to internal droplet formation. However, the velocity profiles of the atomization air and the properties of the liquid are the dominant parameters that determine the drop-size distribution generated at the atomization edge. The shear flow at the nozzle exit and the recirculation zone depend largely on the swirl or counterswirl of the exiting air. Correlations have been obtained between the spray characteristics and the relevant parameters.
Aigner MM, Wittig SS. Swirl and Counterswirl Effects in Prefilming Airblast Atomizers. ASME. J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power. 1988;110(1):105-110. doi:10.1115/1.3240072.