Experimental Investigation of Cavitation-Induced Erosion Using X-Ray Imaging and Tomography

Journal Article · 27 May 2022 · Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmech.2022.869165 · OSTI ID:1870175

Moon, Chi Young; Magnotti, Gina M.; Sforzo, Brandon A.; Tekawade, Aniket; Kastengren, Alan L.; Powell, Christopher F.

High injection pressure in diesel engines can lead to cavitation-induced erosion in injector nozzles. One important factor affecting the severity of erosion is the fuel and its properties. Traditionally, modeling and simulation studies have used single-component representations of fuels, but realistic fuels feature a multitude of components and can even include volatile additives such as water and alcohol. To provide realistic benchmarks and comparisons, experimental measurements quantifying erosion characteristics were made using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and two alternative diesel fuels (ADF). X-ray imaging and computed tomography were used to investigate cavitation-induced erosion onset and progression. Hard X-ray tomography revealed injector internal geometry, including details such as surface marks from the manufacturing process and erosion patterns from repeated injections. Erosion progression was measured using X-ray tomography and imaging performed between injections. The critical erosion site was found to be similar across different fuel blends, while the erosion rate and incubation time were sensitive to the fuel blend. The injector geometry and the erosion characteristics were also prepared for numerical model development and validation.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Lemont, IL (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Transportation Office. Vehicle Technologies Office
• Grant/Contract Number: AC02-06CH11357
• OSTI ID: 1870175
• Journal Information: Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering, Journal Name: Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering Vol. 8; ISSN 2297-3079
• Publisher: Frontiers Media SACopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: Switzerland
• Language: English