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Abstract
A pneumatic droplet generator can be used to characterize droplet size and impact velocity. In this study, tin is melted in a heating chamber, and a solenoid valve sends pressure pulses to eject single droplets. This project investigates three factors that influence droplet formation, size, and impact velocity: (1) vent valve opening angle, (2) high-speed valve pulse width, and (3) applied pressure to the high-speed valve. Testing is performed with a baseline configuration of an 8 ms pulse width, opening angle of 20°, and applied pressure of 7.25 psi (~10 psi) to achieve repeatable droplet generation. Testing with a smaller nozzle diameter to achieve more controlled droplet ejection is also explored. The optimization of the droplet generator can aid future research to study droplet dynamics, such as spreading and heat transfer.
Document Type
Final Report
Class Name
Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences Independent Study
Language
English (en)
Date of Submission
12-11-2025
Recommended Citation
Groff, Giselle, "Optimizing a Pneumatic Metal Droplet Generator for Droplet Characterization" (2025). Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study. 306.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mems500/306