Abstract: Exceptional atomization of liquids is achieved by combining shock wave formation and vortex generation in a gas stream. In a vortex generating device, a flow passage is aligned with a flow axis connected between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a plurality of tornado-like gas vortices are generated in the flow passage. In one embodiment, a restriction is formed in the fluid inlet, and a source of gas under sufficient pressure to cause sonic velocity at the restriction is connected to the inlet. In another embodiment, a restriction is formed in a downstream portion of a flow passage, and a pair of auxiliary flow passages connect an upstream portion of the flow passage to the restriction. In an embodiment, a fluid outlet has a concave semispherical surface opening into an ambient region.

Abstract: A vortex generating device has first and second adjacent bluff bodies downstream of a restriction. The bluff body closest the restriction has a flat surface facing upstream.

Abstract: A vortex is formed in fluid flowing through a flow passage from the inlet of the passage to its outlet. A resonator is disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept fluid flowing vortically through the passage. A bluff body lies between the outlet of the passage and the resonator to interrupt fluid flowing through the passage. The resonator is cylindrical having an axis aligned with the axis of the flow passage, an open end facing toward the outlet of the flow passage, and a closed end. Preferably, the bluff body is adjacent to the open end of the resonator and the length and width of the resonator are approximately multiples of the diameter of the bluff body.