Observation of the Particulate Formation Process in the Cylinder of a Direct Injection Diesel Engine

The results of a systematic study on sources of particulate from direct injection diesel engine are presented.

Particulates, divided between dry soot and soluble organic fraction were measured under a variety of steady state operating conditions from a D.I. diesel Engine. It was found that SOF (soluble organic fraction) was produced under light engine operation and dry soot was a function of engine load (increased with fuel flow rate).

The soot formation and oxidation processes were studied by two methods: Direct photography and laser shadow-graphy.