On the Statistical Characterization of Sprays

• Main Authors: Miguel O. Panão, Ana S. Moita, António L. Moreira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-09-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: drop size distributions; drop size diversity; information theory; nanofluid sprays
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/17/6122

The statistical characterization of sprays is an essential way of organizing data on drop size and velocity to provide reliable information on the spray dynamics. A clear presentation of data using statistical tools provides evidence of a clear research question underlying the spray characterization. In this article, a review of the best practices to build histograms is presented, as well as three relevant details on spray characterization: (i) the application of information theory to assess if we have enough information (not data); (ii) the link between mathematical probability distributions and the physical interpretation of spray data; (iii) and introducing, for the first time, the concept of drop size diversity, with the quantification of the polydispersion and heterogeneity degrees. Finally, the view presented is applied to the characterization of nanofluid sprays for thermal management.