Quantitative characterization of diesel sprays using digital imaging techniques

This paper presents the application of digital imaging and image processing techniques for the quantitative characterization of diesel sprays. An optically accessible, constant volume chamber was configured to allow direct photographic imaging of diesel sprays, which were generated from a six-hole nozzle in a non-evaporating and pressurized environment. A high-resolution CCD camera and a flash light source were used to capture the images of the sprays. Dedicated image processing software has been developed to quantify a set of macroscopic, characteristic parameters of the sprays including tip penetration, near- and far-field angles. The spray parameters produced using this software are compared with those obtained using manual methods. The results obtained under typical spray conditions demonstrate that the software is capable of producing more accurate, consistent and efficient results than the manual methods. An application of the imaging processing software to the characterization of diesel sprays for a valve covered orifice nozzle is also presented and discussed.