Limitations of cetane number to predict transient combustion phenomena in high-pressure fuel sprays

Parker, Allen; Reggeti, Shawn A.; Bittle, Joshua A.; Agrawal, Ajay K.

doi:10.1016/j.combustflame.2023.112723

Limitations of cetane number to predict transient combustion phenomena in high-pressure fuel sprays

Journal Article · Wed Mar 22 00:00:00 EDT 2023 · Combustion and Flame

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.combustflame.2023.112723· OSTI ID:2339638

^[1]; ^[2]; Bittle, Joshua A. ^[2]; ^[2]

Univ. of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL (United States); University of Alabama
Univ. of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL (United States)

Fundamental understanding of in-cylinder processes in diesel engines is important to screen emerging biofuels and advanced combustion modes that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and regulated pollutants including soot. In this study, the role of fuel properties on spray development and combustion is investigated by systematically isolating chemical and thermophysical effects. Three different fuels are considered, two with similar chemical properties and two with similar thermophysical properties with one fuel common to both groups. Experiments are performed in a constant-pressure flow chamber de-signed to provide stable test conditions and facilitate acquisition of at least 150 injections in quick succession for each fuel under reacting conditions at high-pressure, high-temperature ambient conditions using a modified conventional diesel engine injector. Further, high speed optical diagnostics including rainbow schlieren deflectometry, OH* chemiluminescence, and a two-color pyrometry system are employed to simultaneously image the transient spray and reacting jets. Image analysis is performed to determine liquid length, vapor penetration length, timing and location of first stage and main ignition events, lift-off location, total soot mass, and more. Results show that fuels with similar chemical properties or cetane number (CN) exhibit similar delay times for first stage and main ignition events as may be expected, but very different liquid length, first stage and main ignition locations, lift-off length, apparent turbulent flame speed, and soot formation. As such, the ability to characterize candidate biofuels with CN or other parameters derived from simple flame configurations is called into question. In this study, thermo-physical properties controlling the liquid length are identified as the main contributing factor for the observed differences.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Univ. of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

Grant/Contract Number:: EE0007980

OSTI ID:: 2339638

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1964197

Journal Information:: Combustion and Flame, Journal Name: Combustion and Flame Vol. 251; ISSN 0010-2180

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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