Potential for shock-wave generation at diesel engine conditions and its influence on spray characteristics

Abstract

Increasing the fuel injection pressure is currently the most effective way to achieve a better fuel–air mixing quality in modern engines. Systems capable of delivering fuels at a pressure of over 250 MPa have been widely adopted in diesel engines. At such high injection pressures, the shock-wave generation during fuel injection has been noticed. Investigations can be found widely discussing on how the shock-wave generation during fuel injection would affect the spray dynamics. However, the argument remains whether the shock wave can occur at diesel engine conditions since the diesel engine is operated at very high ambient temperature and density. Even if it could occur, how significantly the spray-induced shock wave affects the spray characteristics is rarely known. To address these concerns, this study was proposed. First, experiments were conducted to obtain the detailed spray dynamics from the nozzle exit to spray downstream field by taking advantage of the X-ray phase-contrast imaging (XPCI) and schlieren imaging techniques. It is found that supersonic and subsonic ligaments coexist in one spray. Increasing the injection pressure or reducing the ambient density would extend the supersonic part in the spray. Multiple shock waves occur subsequently from the nozzle exit, where the spray has the highest local velocity. Shock-wave generation during fuel injection could enhance spray penetration, whereas this effect depends on the length of the supersonic part in the spray. Finally, a diagram was proposed to predict the potential for the shock-wave generation and discuss the possible effect on spray characteristics at diesel engine conditions.