Measurement of the Instantaneous Distribution of Momentum in Diesel Injection Nozzle Fuel Jets

Because of its dominant role in diesel engine performance and emissions, the fuel injection process has become an area of very active research and development. It is now clear that location, shape, rate of development, and mass flow distribution within each fuel jet are all important in controlling fuel air mixing, wall interactions, combustion rate, and the resulting levels of emissions. The objective of this project was to develop an instrument for measurement of the instantaneous fuel mass and momentum distribution in the jets issuing from diesel injection nozzles. The goal was to develop an instrument concept that can be used in the laboratory for fundamental measurements, as well as a quality control system for use in manufacture of the injection nozzles. The concept of the instrument is based on the measurement of the instantaneous momentum of the fuel jet as it impacts on a surface equipped with pressure sensitive elements. The measurement instrument involves the use of piezo-film array, as the pressure sensing elements, to directly measure the momentum of the fuel jet. The sensitivity, repeatability, and durability of the instrument concept was verified using a single hole, conventional pump-line-nozzle injection system.