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The moments-based spray model has been developed as an alternative to the widely used discrete droplet models; the model does not characterize sprays using droplet size classes, rather the moments of the droplet size distribution are used. 2, 5-Dimethylfuran (DMF) has been receiving some interest of late as a potential biofuel replacement to gasoline. Compared to bio-ethanol, another alternative fuel, it is attractive because the gravimetric energy density is higher, it is easier to store, less volatile, and easier to transport. In the present study, the moments-based spray model has been used to predict the hydrodynamic properties of DMF fuel sprays.
The results of the evaluation of DMF fuel sprays at 50 bar injection pressure and different ambient (1 to 6 bar) pressure values are presented, evaluated and compared with experimental data. The results are characterized by the fuel spray penetration values at the end of injection and at various times after the start of injection. This information is important for the design of injection and combustion systems in internal combustion engines, especially as fuel spray impingement on walls can lead to increased emissions. The results indicate that DMF fuel spray penetration reduces with increases in ambient pressure as the fuel droplets are slowed due to the increased frictional resistance offered by the carrier gas. The predicted results for the fuel spray tip penetration at the end of injection are representative of the measured experimental fuel spray development. The predictions are also compared with results from a spray model based on the widely used discrete droplet method. The results show that the moments-spray model can be a valuable tool for evaluating the characteristics of emerging biofuel sprays.
