Atomization and Sprays, Vol.4, No.2, 207-222, 1994
EFFECT OF DODECANOL CONTENT ON THE COMBUSTION OF METHANOL SPRAY FLAMES
The structure of a swirl-stabilized spray flame, fueled by a 75/25 mixture (by volume) of methanol and dodecanol has been examined. Spatially resolved information on droplet size and velocity distributions was obtained under burning conditions using a phase Doppler interferometry system. The effect of system gain (i.e., voltage setting of the photomultiplier tube detectors and laser power) on interpretation of the results was also assessed. The relatively large volatility difference between methanol and dodecanol provided an opportunity to examine the occurrence of microexplosions within spray flames. Evidence of microexploded droplets was revealed by a sudden decrease in droplet size and velocity, and an increase in number density at different spatial positions within the flame. On this basis, results were obtained that indicated the occurrence of microexplosions in the 75/25 mixture flame, but at a reduced extent as compared to prior results reported for methanol flames containing a larger fraction of dodecanol.