A study of the relation between nozzle geometry, internal flow and sprays characteristics in diesel fuel injection systems

Abstract

This study examines the influence of geometry on the internal flow and macroscopic behavior of the spray in Diesel nozzles. For this investigation, two bi-orifice nozzles were employed : one cylindrical and one conical. The first step is to use a non-destructive characterization method which is based on the production of silicone moulds so that the precise internal geometry of the two nozzles can be measured. At this stage the nozzles have been characterized dimensionally and therefore the internal flow can be studied using CFD calculations. The results gained from this experiment make it possible also to ascertain the critical cavitation conditions. Once the critical cavitation conditions have been identified, the macroscopic parameters of the spray can be studied in both cavitating and non-cavitating conditions using a test rig pressurized with nitrogen and with the help of a image acquisition system and image processing software. Consequently, research can be carried out to determine the influence that cavitation has on macroscopic spray behavior. From the point of view of the spray macroscopic behavior, the main conclusion of the paper is that cavitation leads to an increment of the spray cone angle. On the other hand, from the point of view of the internal flow, the hole outlet velocity increases when cavitation appears. This phenomenon can be explained by the reduction in the cross section of the liquid phase in the outlet section of the hole.