Three dimensional CFD simulation of liquid copper break up for the liquid precursor spraying

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of copper droplet atomization of various inlet velocities where the atomizing gas is argon at 2000 K was carried through using volume of fluid (VOF) for the multiphase solution where heat transfer was added in the code. The simulations enable us to study the atomization patterns and profiles and gain data on particle size distribution, temperature and axial velocity of the atomized droplets. Comparison with experimental data shows agreement and supports the thought that plasma spraying using liquid precursor can provide good control on the overall process and the quality of the results.

► Copper droplet atomization was simulated using multiphase CFD code with buoyant heat transfer.
► Atomization patterns agree with experimental results.
► Particle size distribution suggests that liquid precursor spraying can offer good control of spraying parameters.