Predictions of the Spray Characteristics of Model Gasoline, Ethanol and Ethanol-in Gasoline Fuel Blends

SMD, Cone angle, gasohol, fuel-bled, atomization, spray.

Authors

  • P .N. Josiah World Bank Africa Centre for Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
  • I. Altraide World Bank Africa Centre for Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
  • J.G. Akpa Department of Chemical Engineering, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Rivers State, Nigeria
  • O.M.O. Etebu Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
February 11, 2022

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This paper presents predictions of spray characteristics of model gasoline, ethanol gasoline-ethanol fuel blends. Fuel breakup models and correlations between flow patterns and droplet characteristics were adopted   and implemented in OpenFOAM Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling suite l for direct gasoline injector using a simple cylindrical mesh structure at constant volume. The Rosin Rammler distribution model was used to generate the number of spray particles injected into the cylinder. The spray modeling and atomization employed the use of blob sheet model and KH-RT model while the numerical technique for simulating atomization process by CFD included the use of governing equations such as Eulerian for gas phase, Lagrangian for disperse phase and turbulence modeling.  Spray evolution at various energizing times particle density and The Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) relationships and particle size distribution were studied in simulation mode. The results showed that with longer injection time frame and wider injection angle, the penetration width was wider and the penetration length deeper (longer) resulting in better atomization. Concerning particle density and its distribution, as number of particle increased, the density of clusters became smaller.