Abstract
In this study we identify components of a typical
biodiesel fuel and estimate both their individual
and mixed thermo-physical and transport
properties. We then use the estimated mixture
properties in computational simulations to
gauge the extent to which combustion is
modified when biodiesel is substituted for
conventional diesel fuel. Our simulation studies
included both regular diesel combustion (DI) and
premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI).
Preliminary results indicate that biodiesel ignition
is significantly delayed due to slower liquid
evaporation, with the effects being more
pronounced for DI than PCCI. The lower vapor
pressure and higher liquid heat capacity of
biodiesel are two key contributors to this slower
rate of evaporation. Other physical properties
are more similar between the two fuels, and their
impacts are not clearly evident in the present
study. Future studies of diesel combustion
sensitivity to both physical and chemical
properties of biodiesel are suggested.
