Quadrature method of moments for modeling multi-component spray vaporization

This article puts forward the quadrature method of moments (QMoM) for modeling droplet composition during the spray vaporization process. This method is implemented for solving the Continuous Thermodynamic Model (CTM) of multi-component droplet vaporization, an advantageous alternative to the classical Discrete Component Model (DCM) when the droplet is formed of a great number of components. The CTM approach consists in modeling the droplet's composition using a probability density function (PDF). This method was first tried out for vaporizing droplets by Hallett, who assumed a Gamma-function for the PDF. However, Harstadt et al. underlined some problems in the case of vapor condensation on the droplet Surface, since the Gamma-PDF model presumes the PDFs mathematical form. The QMoM which does not require this hypothesis is studied in this article, according to Lage's research dealing with QMoM application to phase equilibria. The numerical features of QMoM are investigated in detail, and then the method is implemented for the difficult test case of vapor condensation. The results are analyzed to illustrate the application of QMoM to multi-component droplet vaporization modeling and to provide a better understanding of the QMoM main advantages and limitations. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.