Comparison of the Spray and the Spray/Wall Interaction of Two Gasoline Injectors

One important parameter influencing mixture formation and spray/wall interaction within engines is the geometry of the nozzle. In contrast to Diesel nozzles, the influence of the orifice geometry on spray formation has hardly be investigated for gasoline nozzles. In order to demonstrate the potential of adjusting the nozzle geometry of a modern GDI nozzle, we compare two six-hole, high-pressure nozzles with an identical structure, but different rounding radius of the orifice hole-inlet and different orifice hole-geometries: nozzle A with a rounded inlet and an orifice length to diameter ratio of 3/2 and nozzle B with a sharp inlet and an orifice length to diameter ratio of 1. In a first measurement campaign the spray formation is visualized using high-speed shadowgraphy imaging. The results show differences in spray angle and penetration depth. In a second measurement campaign we examine the spray/wall interaction and wall film formation by means of infrared thermography. The thermography measurements indicate that the geometry of nozzle B produces sprays with beneficial characteristics. This is very important for a clean combustion process and a decrease of soot emissions.