Analysis and experiments of droplet trajectories in sprays

The influence of steam condensation on the shape of subcooled water sprays was investigated. In the theoretical model the water is assumed to act as vapor sinks and thus create a velocity field in the steam. The resulting force on the spray water is used to compute the final spray shape. Measurements with single full scale BWR spray nozzles were performed. The droplet size and the water distribution were measured as a function of steam pressure and vertical distance from the nozzle exit. The comparison of the model predictions to the test data shows in most cases good agreement