Analysis of Ethanol and Biodiesel Sprays, and their mixtures with fossil fuels, using Telecentric Lenses

• Grant number: 25/26031-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Thermal Engineering
• Grantee: None

Abstract

It is essential to mitigate the effects of climate change, which impact agriculture, biodiversity and public health, in a worldwide range. In the field of propulsion and energy generation, atomization of liquid fuels and spray quality are directly related to emissions and combustion efficiency. Furthermore, biofuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol, emerge as a more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. In this sense, optimizing the injection and combustion process for biofuels is essential. Therefore, this project aims to utilize an advanced telecentric optical system, capable of simultaneously measuring macroscopic and microscopic properties of sprays, in order to characterize ethanol, gasoline, and their mixtures using Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) injectors and biodiesel, diesel, and their mixtures using diesel injectors. The results will allow the characterization and optimization of the injector operating with such fuels, and will provide a database for validation and development of numerical models.