Taguchi optimization of micron sized lubricant oil droplet deposition on a hot plate

Abstract

The deposition of micron sized lubricant oil droplets similar to oil droplets in blow-by gases of Internal combustion (IC) engines on a hot flat plate was studied using a round impinging jet configuration. Five parameters which simulate the different operational conditions in IC engines were chosen: The impaction nozzle’s outlet diameter, additional air flow rate, plate angle, plate temperature, and nozzle to the plate distance. An Experimental test-rig was constructed to acquire deposit weight with different parameter values. To find the conditions of minimum deposition, the deposit’s weight was optimized using the Taguchi design of experiment method with respect to the design parameters. Using the experimental data, the predicted optimal value of the deposit weight was confirmed. Analysis of variance showed that plate angle is the most influential factor in deposition of fine oil droplets. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the mechanism of deposition.