Final answer:
The spray pattern delivered by a fan nozzle is wide and evenly distributed, resembling a fan shape. This uniform dispersion is used in various applications, such as paint sprayers and ink-jet printers, where the substance is entrained with air or fluid under pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spray pattern delivered by a fan nozzle is characterized by a wide and even distribution of liquid or other substances. This is achieved through the particular design of the fan nozzle, which spreads the material out in a fan-like shape as it exits the nozzle, creating a pattern that resembles the shape of a fan. The resulting spray pattern ensures a greater and more uniform application compared to other nozzle types. Moreover, the act of spraying itself involves a physical process where compressed air or fluid is allowed to expand rapidly into an area of lower pressure, thereby dispersing the substance.
In the case of a fan nozzle, specific examples can be drawn from various applications such as paint sprayers and ink-jet printers. For instance, in an ink-jet printer, small ink droplets are produced by the nozzle, which are then given an electrostatic charge to help place them accurately on the page. Similarly, an atomizer, which can function like a paint sprayer, uses a jet of air to entrain drops of the substance being sprayed, like perfume, and disperse them in a fine mist.
The precise pattern and efficiency of the spray also rely on factors such as the speed of the exiting fluid and the manner in which it is directed. As an example, a nozzleless hose may emit water at a speed of 1.96 m/s, while the attachment of a nozzle can greatly increase this speed simply by constricting the flow to a narrower tube, thereby enhancing the reach and uniformity of the spray.