Browse Topic: Nozzles
A numerical study on the influence of annular gap variation in correctly expanded sonic coaxial jets, focusing on its effect on mixing characteristics and jet symmetry, is presented in this paper. The computational simulations were conducted using a three-dimensional steady-state compressible Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) framework with the Spalart–Allmaras (SA) turbulence model. Both symmetric (uniform gap) and asymmetric (nonuniform gap) configurations were simulated. Eccentricity was introduced by offsetting the secondary nozzle by 2 mm downward from the center of the primary nozzle. In symmetric configurations with uniform annular gaps, the jet exhibited balanced shear-layer development, uniform entrainment, and symmetric Mach decay characteristics. However, the asymmetric annular gap configuration exhibited approximately 25–30% earlier potential core breakdown, 30–35% greater radial jet spreading, and nearly 6–10% faster centerline velocity decay compared with the symmetric configuration. The streamline analysis revealed enhanced entrainment, localized recirculation regions, asymmetric vortex generation, and accelerated momentum diffusion caused by unequal shear-layer interaction. These results demonstrate that annular gap asymmetry can serve as an effective passive flow control strategy for enhancing jet mixing and directional momentum redistribution. Such configurations may be useful in practical applications including exhaust gas dilution, fuel–air mixing enhancement in combustors, thrust vectoring, and jet-noise suppression systems.
In today's dynamic driving environments, reliable rear wiping functionality is essential for maintaining safe rearward visibility. This study sharing the next-generation rear wiper motor assembly that seamlessly integrates the washer nozzle, delivering improved performance alongside key benefits such as better Buzz, Squeak, and Rattle (BSR) characteristics, reduced system complexity, cost savings, and enhanced perceived quality. This integrated design simplifies the hose routing which improves the compactness and the efficiency of the design. This also enhances the spray coverage and minimizes the dry wiping unlike the traditional systems that position the washer nozzle separately. A non-return valve (NRV) is incorporated to eliminate spray delays ass it maintains consistent water flow giving cleaning effectiveness. Since this makes the nonfunctional parts completely leak proof due to the advanced sealing, it increases the durability and reliability in long run. As this proposal offers a sustainable solution, it can be considered as the new benchmark in rear wiper technology.
The majority of transportation systems continue to rely on internal combustion engines powered by fossil fuels. Heavy-duty applications, in particular, depend on diesel engines due to their high brake efficiency, power density, and robustness. Despite significant advancements in diesel engine technology that have reduced emissions and improved efficiency, complex and costly after-treatment systems remain necessary to meet the stringent emission regulations. Dimethyl ether (DME), which can be produced from various renewable feedstocks and possesses high chemical reactivity, is a promising alternative for heavy-duty applications, particularly in compression ignition direct injection engines. Its high reactivity, volatility, and oxygenated composition offer significant potential to address emission challenges while reducing reliance on after-treatment systems. However, DME’s lower energy density requires adjustments in injection parameters (such as injection pressure and duration) or modifications to the injector geometry to match the energy levels of diesel fuels. Although previous studies have explored adjustments like increasing injection pressure and duration to compensate for DME’s lower energy density, the impact of nozzle diameter on the rate of injection profile and spray morphology remains unclear. This study investigated the injection characteristics of DME in a high-pressure direct injection system. The rate of injection profile was measured using a custom-designed long tube platform based on the Bosch method. The results from the Bosch method showed strong consistency with those obtained from a commercial injection test bench based on Zeuch method. Additionally, the rate of injection profiles for two different nozzle diameters were measured to assess the impact of nozzle size on the rate of injection profiles. The effects of increased nozzle diameter on spray morphology were examined using high-speed photography.
In the fall of 2023, NASA hot fire tested an aluminum-based, 3D-printed rocket engine nozzle. What made the event remarkable is that aluminum isn’t typically used for additive manufacturing because the process causes it to crack, and it isn’t used in rocket engines due to its low melting point. Yet the test was a success.
This study aims to design a supersonic ejector, referred to as a liquid spray gun, with a simple operating procedure for producing an aerosol spray with adjustable droplet size distributions. A CFD model was developed to determine the influence of nozzle exit position and the primary air pressure on the supersonic patterns formed within the ejectors, providing a valuable insight into their internal physics. Based on the single-phase numerical results, at an air primary pressure of 2 bar, the flow may not reach a choking condition, possibly resulting in unstable ejector operation. However, at pressures exceeding 5 bar, the jet patterns emerging from the primary nozzle cause flow separation or the formation of vortex rings. This phenomenon leads to a flow configuration comparable to the diameter of the mixing tube, thereby reducing the available area for entrainment of suction flow. The suitable ejector was identified with a nozzle exit position of 13 mm and a primary pressure ranging from 3 to 4 bar. Consequently, a high-speed imaging shadowgraph system was successfully developed to experimentally analyze the water spray pattern within the designed ejector. The experimental results indicate that the ejector performs effectively under different operating conditions, producing a fine water spray with predominantly small droplet sizes below 30 μm when the air pressure is within the range of 3 to 4 bar. These results highlight the capability of the supersonic ejector as a spray gun for generating aerosols suitable for contaminated surface cleaning and other relevant applications.
This study explores the feasibility of using a sustainable lignin-based fuel, consisting of 44 % lignin, 50 % ethanol, and 6 % water, in conventional compression ignition (CI) marine engines. Through experimental evaluations on a modified small-bore CI engine, we identified the primary challenges associated with lignin-based fuel, including engine startup and shutdown issues due to solvent evaporation and lignin solidification inside the fuel system, and deposit formation on cylinder walls leading to piston ring seizure. To address these issues, we developed a fuel switching system transitioning from lignin-based fuel to cleaning fuel with 85 vol% of acetone, 10 vol% of water and 5 vol% of ignition improving additive, effectively preventing system clogs. Additionally, optimizing injection parameters, adopting a constant pressure delivery valve, and fine-tuning injection timing mitigated lignin deposit formation related to incomplete combustion or spray tip penetration to the cylinder wall. The successful combustion of the lignin-based fuel in the small-bored CI engine was confirmed in a wide range of chamber temperatures. The ignition delay was measured and analyzed using Arrhenius equation. The ignition quality of the lignin fuel was comparable with 1-pentanol with a cetane number of 18.2, which is acceptable for 2-stroke marine engines. Although further investigation is needed to assess long-term reliability, our findings underscore the potential of lignin-based fuel as a viable alternative fuel for marine engines.
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