Analysis of the Influence of Diesel Spray Injection on the Ignition and Soot Formation in Multiple Injection Strategy

Multiple injection strategies have increased their capabilities along with the evolution of injection system technologies up to the point that nowadays it is possible to inject eight different pulses, permitting to improve the engine performance, and consequently, emissions. The present work was realized for two simplified strategies: a pilot-main and a main-post, in order to analyze the influence of an auxiliary pulse on the main and otherwise, in reactive conditions for two pilot/post quantities and four hydraulic dwell times. The study was carried out by employing two optical techniques: diffused back-illumination with flame bandpass chemiluminescence for measuring soot, represented by soot-maps distribution, and single-pass schlieren for ignition delay (ID). Furthermore, a novel methodology for decoupling the start of combustion (SOC) of the second pulse was developed and successfully validated. From the ignition delay results, it was found for all test points that the pilot injection enhanced conditions, which promote a faster ignition of the main pulse, also at higher chamber temperatures, all conditions presented a separate combustion event for each injection. In emission terms, soot increased in the pilot-main strategies compared to its single injection case, as well as, in conditions that promote faster-premixed combustion.