VOF based model of numerical simulation for single aluminum droplet evaporation and combustion

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the combustion of a single aluminum droplet in a high-temperature convective setting, focusing on the interplay between the environment and droplet evaporation combustion. Using the VOF numerical method, a two-dimensional multiphase flow combustion model for micron-sized aluminum droplets is developed. Experimental validation compares predicted droplet diameter with experimental data. The combustion behavior of aluminum droplets in high-temperature convective environments is analyzed, emphasizing gas-phase combustion during stable stages. Parametric variations in flow velocity and oxygen concentration reveal the formation of vortices around the droplet, influencing aluminum vapor accumulation and evaporation rates. Combustion primarily occurs at the droplet’s windward side, with reaction rates decreasing downstream. Increasing gas velocity from 1.5 m/s to 3 m/s thins the aluminum vapor concentration boundary layer, boosting combustion rates by 35%. Elevating oxygen concentration from 20% to 50% brings the flame closer to the droplet, accelerating combustion rates by 2.7 times, suggesting oxygen concentration’s role in reaction acceleration and combustion duration reduction. This research offers insights for simulating aluminum droplets in propellant applications.

KEYWORDS:

• Aluminum droplets
• Convective evaporation
• Evaporation rate
• Heat and mass transfer
• VOF

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Shanghai Natural Science Foundation [21ZR1462000].