Journal Article

X-ray Imaging of Shock Waves Generated by High-Pressure Fuel Sprays

Fontes, Ernest, Walther, Jochen, Schaller, Johannes, Renzi, Matthew J., Tate, Mark W., Yue, Yong, Ercan, Alper, Wang, Jin, Powell, Christopher F., Narayanan, Suresh, Gruner, Sol M., MacPhee, Andrew G.

2002

Overview

Synchrotron x-radiography and a fast x-ray detector were used to record the time evolution of the transient fuel sprays from a high-pressure injector. A succession of 5.1-microsecond radiographs captured the propagation of the spray-induced shock waves in a gaseous medium and revealed the complex nature of the spray hydrodynamics. The monochromatic x-radiographs also allow quantitative analysis of the shock waves that has been difficult if not impossible with optical imaging. Under injection conditions similar to those found in operating engines, the fuel jets can exceed supersonic speeds and result in gaseous shock waves.

• Publisher: American Society for the Advancement of Science,American Association for the Advancement of Science,The American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Subject: Aerospace Education / Applied sciences / Average linear density / Cerium / Diesel fuels / Energy / Energy. Thermal use of fuels / Engines and turbines / Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc / Exact sciences and technology / Fuel injection / Fuels / Gas density / Gasoline / High pressure technology / Mach cones / Nozzles / Pressure / Radiography / Rheology / Scientific Concepts / Shock fronts / Shock waves / Spraying equipment / Sprays / Statistical Significance / Sulfur Hexafluoride / Synchrotrons / Temperature / Trailing edges / X-Rays