Spray characteristics of biodiesel fuel in constant volume chamber using multi-response optimization technique

Abstract

This study discusses about the optimization of spray characteristics of biodiesel fuel in a spray chamber. Three factors namely, fuel injection pressure, fuel temperature and fuel blends were chosen as the influencing factor for the set objective. Four levels were chosen in each factor and spray tip penetration, spray cone angle and Sauter mean diameter (SMD) were taken as the response variables. Experiments were designed by employing design of experiments method and Taguchi full factorial array was used to conduct the tests with different levels of the chosen factors. Multi Response Signal to Noise ratio (MRSN) was calculated for the response variables and the optimum combination level of factors was obtained simultaneously using Taguchi’s parametric design. Confirmation experiments were conducted for the obtained optimum combination level of factors and the results were compared with the normal operating conditions and significant improvement were observed in the response variables.