Modelling evaporation of multicomponent fuel droplets under ambient temperature conditions

The evaporation process of multicomponent fuel droplets has been analysed using an approach that accounts for the specifications of real multicomponent fuel blends such as JP-4 and JET-A1. The model used to simulate the evaporation process includes changes in the vapour pressure, phase composition and latent heat of the fuel as evaporation proceeds. This approach was developed to improve the prediction of droplet evaporation, particularly under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. This work furthers the understanding of the influence of transient effects due to droplet velocity variations on the deviation from the well-known d 2 evaporation law. It was found that during the injection phase, forced convection tended to accentuate the evaporation of light components, which evaporate first for multicomponent fuels. The approach presented can be integrated into a CFD code (Fluent and CFX) or an engineering application for a better prediction of fuel vaporisation during cold start ignition of engines.