Atomization and Sprays Journal of the International Institutes for Liquid Atomization and Spray Systems

ISSN for PRINT: 1045-5110

For Online Access

Best Paper Award Selection - Editorial Board Site

2006, Volume16

Issue 2

115 pages

DOI: 10.1615/AtomizSpr.v16.i2

Issue price - $80.00

James E. McCarthy, Jr.
Thermal Sciences and Propulsion Center, School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Dwight W. Senser
Thermal Sciences and Propulsion Center, School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Electrostatic air spray paint applicators are widely used to apply paints. In spite of their common use, the basic process by which a bulk volume of paint is transported to the workpiece is poorly understood. The goal of this research is to develop an improved understanding of paint transfer in electrostatic air spray processes for which there is considerable margin to improve appearance and reduce both paint usage and solvent emissions. A paint transport simulation that accounts for the paint momentum, aerodynamic drag, gravitational forces, and electrostatic attraction is developed and used to provide insight into the electrostatic augmentation of paint transfer efficiency. The paint transfer simulation uses a Lagrangian particle tracking, an Eulerian airflow, and an Eulerian electrostatic field solution. The unsteady aerodynamic drag on the paint is incorporated using a stochastic separated flow approach. The simulation results are verified using measurements of paint transfer efficiency and drop transfer efficiency. The results reveal that the amount of charge on the paint directly alters the paint flow structure, deposition characteristics, and paint transfer efficiency.

DOI: 10.1615/AtomizSpr.v16.i2.40 Download article, 195-222 pages

Article price - $35.00

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