An Evaluation of Atomization Models for Dense Sprays (original) (raw)

Calculations of a transient atomization process are presented, which simulates fuel injection of sprays in gasoline direct injection engines. Only non-reacting sprays are considered with the focus on the atomization process. The FIRE code, developed by AVL, is used as the platform to test three different atomization models: (i) Taylor Analogy Breakup (TAB) model; (ii) surface wave instability (WAVE) model; and the more recent (iii) FIPA (Fractionnement Induit Par Acceleration) model. Comparisons of calculations with experimental data reveal significant discrepancies regardless of the atomization model used. It is acknowledged that, in this study, only the standard model constants are adopted and that may be further optimised to improve the calculations. However, the fact remains that all the atomization models start with an initial distribution of spherical droplets at the injector tip. An assumption that is not supported by recent measurements which show that fluid elements rather than spherical droplets dominate this early zone.