Fundamental Characteristics of Microbubbles in Water and Diesel Fuel

Abstract

Recently, the usage of oxygenated fuel has emerged as a reliable way to enhance engine performance. Due to this matter, the potential of microbubbles (MB) mixed fuel in improving engine performance is anticipated. Being small in size, MB are characterized by having unique characteristics such as low rising speed and self-pressurization which can contribute to fuel oxygenation. In this study, the fundamental characteristics of MB in diesel and water medium were investigated. The MB are produced by shearing air into the high pressurized fluid. Then the life span as well as the size distribution of the MB in both mediums were observed. MB in water shrink faster compared to MB in diesel despite the differences in size range. As for size distribution, no significant tendency can be seen between both mediums.