1. Research title:
Measurement of Injection Fuel Length and Angle via High-Speed Imaging of a Small Single
Cylinder Diesel Engine
Student name:
Diego Aldana
Faculty mentor name:
Indranil Brahma
Funding source name:
PUR
Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to accurately measure the injection angle and plume
length of the fuel injector as it enters the combustion chamber of a small diesel engine. The fuel
injector is mechanically operated via the small diesel engine connected to a 1,500 RPM motor
geared to obtain a maximum of 3,000 RPM. Three 300 W lightbulbs were rigged around a
polycarbonate combustion chamber replica in order to capture high-speed imaging of the
injection process. Water mixed with dye was used as a substitute for the fuel in order to reduce
danger while compressing the polycarbonate chamber to 300 PSI. The data obtained from high-
speed imaging will be analyzed using MATLAB in order to generate a 3D model of the fuel
injection process. Since the Air-Fuel ratio has no effect on the number of particulates and
hydrocarbons further research on the plume length and angle need to be conducted. It is possible
that the fuel hitting the wall of the combustion chamber leads to the creation of nanoparticles and
other hydrocarbons. Further research and data analysis will allow for the determination of the
relationship between harmful diesel combustion particles and fuel injection properties.