Laser Research of the Fuel Atomization Process of Internal Combustion Engines

The paper presents test methods (mechanical, electrical and optical) for the fuel spray research in combustion engines. Optical methods, imaging and non-imaging can be used in laboratory and engine tests. Imaging methods include flash photography and holography. Their use is limited to testing droplet dimensions larger than 5 µm. Imaging methods have an advantage over non-imaging ones because they allow the droplet to be seen at the point and time where its measurement is required. Non-imaging methods can be divided into two groups: the first, which counts and measures, individual droplets one at a time, and the second, which measures a large number of droplets simultaneously. Exemplary results of research of droplet size distribution in fuel sprays are shown. In tests of atomized fuel spray, in conditions reflecting the conditions of the internal combustion engine, the size of droplets, their distribution in the spray and the velocity of individual droplets are presented. To determine the quality of the fuel spray, two substitute diameters Sauter (D₃₂) and Herdan (D₄₃) were selected, the first of which refers to heat transfer and the second to combustion processes. Laser research equipment including Particle Image Velocimetry laser equipment (PIV), Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV) and Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA) were applied for testing fuel spray distribution for two kind of fuel. The atomization process from the point of view of combustion and ignition processes, as well as emission levels, is characterized by the best substitute diameter D₄₃, which value is close to the median volume. The most harmful droplets of fuel in the spray are large droplets. Even a few such droplets significantly change the combustion process and emission of toxic exhaust components, mainly NO_x.

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