Atomization and Sprays

FLUX MEASUREMENTS IN SPRAYS USING PHASE DOPPLER TECHNIQUES

SINOPSIS

Estimators for size distributions and flux measurements using the phase Doppler technique are examined. One important issue identified is the difference between detection and illuminated volumes, the detection volume being a function of both particle size and particle trajectory. Previous estimate of the detection volume dependence on these parameters are reviewed, and an improvement is proposed. A further consideration is the count error due to multiple particles in the volume. A statistical correction for this effect is introduced and shown to be already significant in relatively sparse sprays. Comparisons between various estimators and a simple patternator confirm the improvements of the new estimators.