2017 Volume 8 Issue 3 Pages 137-142
The effect of microwave enhanced plasma (MW Plasma) on ignition delay of diesel spray combustion was investigated inside a constant volume high pressure chamber. A microwave-enhanced plasma system, in which plasma discharge generated by a spark plug was amplified using microwave pulses, was used to introduce plasma to the injected spray before the occurrence of auto-ignition. High speed imaging of natural luminosity indicated an earlier appearance of flame in the with-plasma cases compared to the respective without-plasma conventional operation. These results corresponds well to the behavior of the heat-release rates, suggesting a reduction-effect by MW plasma on the ignition delay of diesel combustion.