Simulation of the formation process of nanofluid electrostatic atomization under different voltages

Abstract Voltage has an impact on the electrostatic atomization effect of nanofluids. In this study, by using COMSOL software, a simulation model of electrostatic atomization of graphite water-based nanofluids under different voltages was established. The process of cone jet formation under different voltages was observed through three-dimensional visualization of volume fraction maps. The formation processes of graphite water-based nanofluid cone jets were analyzed from three aspects: electric field force, charge concentration, and volume force. The results indicate that the droplet formation speed increases with higher voltage. Under −10 kV, graphite water-based nanofluids exhibit faster cone jet formation, thorough breakup of droplets at the jet’s tip, and better atomization effects.