Modeling of Electrostatic Spray Plumes

Electrostatic spray atomizers have proven beneficial in controlling the size distribution of the droplets in the spray. We analyze the self-dispersal properties of such charged-droplet sprays upon emerging from the spray atomizer. The droplets are grouped into fluid elements, and the Lagrangian equations of motion are solved numerically for the profile and internal density of the divergent plume. Comparison of the drag and electric forces in different parts of the spray is presented via analytic solutions to simplified equations. The application of adjustable parameters such as flow rate and droplet diameter to the control of spray characteristics is discussed with various examples.