SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1984
STP32616S

Measurement of Drop-Size Distribution by a Light-Scattering Technique

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Although a light-scattering technique, using a single-element photomultiplier tube, has proved to be an accurate tool for determining the Sauter mean diameter (SMD) of a liquid fuel spray, it has been generally considered unsuitable for the measurement of drop-size distribution. Usually, a photomultiplier tube on the receiving side of the optical system is traversed in a direction at right angles to the optical axis, and the scattered light intensity due to the passage of a monochromatic laser beam through the spray is plotted against radical distance to provide a measurement of SMD. In the present study it is shown that this same light intensity profile can be also converted into an energy distribution which is uniquely related to drop-size distribution. Values of SMD obtained with this technique show good agreement with corresponding values as determined by a photographic method. Moreover, the drop-size distribution calculated by the proposed method is found to be almost identical to the distribution exhibited by a standard calibration reticle. Typical examples of SMD and drop-size distribution for sprays produced at various test conditions are presented.

Author Information

Rizk, NK
School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Lefebvre, AH
School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
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Developed by Committee: E29
Pages: 61–71
DOI: 10.1520/STP32616S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4913-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0227-9