Linear and Non‑linear Analysis of Breakup of Liquid Sheets: a Review

Abstract

Atomization primarily involves interaction between liquid and
surrounding gaseous medium resulting in the growth of unstable waves
on a distorted liquid surface. There is a huge volume of work surrounding
various models and theories involved in investigation of interface dynamics
during sheet breakup. The present work summarizes the linear and
nonlinear studies for different geometrical shapes of liquid sheet such as
planar, annular, and swirling. The techniques involved in deriving nonlinear
governing equations such as perturbation technique, multiple scales
approach, and long wave approximation have been outlined. Effects of
various factors on sheet instability such as viscosity, compressibility,
surface temperature difference, unequal velocity, lateral waves and gas
swirl have been listed. Research lacunae and scope of future work are
presented in the summary.