Simulation of electrostatic atomization formation process under different water-based nanofluid conditions

Abstract The electrostatic atomization effects and performance of different aqueous nanofluids exhibit noticeable differences. In this study, COMSOL software was utilized to simulate the electrostatic atomization process of water-based nanofluids containing 0.1 vol.% of graphite, graphene oxide, and Al 2 O 3 under a cone jet voltage of −9 kV and a flow rate of 12 ml/h. The formation process of the cone jet was observed based on volume fraction, and the formation process of nanofluid cone jets and the subsequent breakup of droplets at the tip were analyzed through charge concentration, electric field force, and volume force. The results indicate that the graphite-based nanofluid exhibits a faster formation rate of the cone jet, thorough breakup of droplets at the jet’s tip, and superior electrostatic atomization effects.