Open-Loop Responses of Droplet Vaporization to Linear Normal Acoustic Modes

In order for studying pressure-coupled dynamic responses of droplet vaporization, open-loop experiment of an isolated droplet vaporization exposed to pressure perturbations in stagnant gaseous environment is numerically conducted, Governing equations are solved for flow parameters at gas and liquid phases separately and thermodynamic parameters at the interfacial boundary are matched for problem closure. For high-pressure effects, vapor-liquid interfacial thermodynamics is rigorously treated. A series of parametric calculations in terms of mean pressure level and wave frequencies are carried out employing a n-pentane droplet in stagnant gaseous nitrogen. Results show that wave instability in view of pressure-coupled vaporization response seems more susceptible at higher pressures and higher wave frequencies. Mass evaporation rate responding to pressure waves is amplified with increase in pressure due to substantial reduction in latent heat of vaporization. Augmentation of perturbation frequency also enhances amplification due to the reduction of phase differences between pressure perturbation and surface temperature fluctuation.