Estimation of a suitable Schmidt number range in diesel sprays at high injection pressure

The aim of this paper is to estimate a suitable range for the Schmidt number value in non-evaporative diesel sprays. For this purpose, mass distribution data obtained from X-ray absorption experiments existing in literature and a theoretical derivation for spray microscopic characteristics have been combined. Firstly, a procedure based on Gaussian concentration profiles has been proposed in order to interpret X-ray absorption results and relate them to physical parameters as local concentration or spray density. After this, information about FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum) values has allowed to estimate spray angle in the tested conditions by the definition of Gaussian profiles for the mass radial distribution inside the spray. Following, a theoretical model dependent on momentum flux and Schmidt number has been used to simulate local mass concentration evolution along the spray axis and compare it with the values obtained from the experiments. The combination of the experimental and the theoretical data has allowed to estimate a suitable range for the Schmidt number value in such conditions as those existing in diesel sprays.