Application of a MEMS heat flux sensor to heat transfer research on an impinging diesel jet

Abstract

To clarify the mechanisms of heat transfer on an engine wall is an important challenge because the heat loss on the wall is one of the dominant factors that limit the thermal efficiency. A thin-film resistance type heat flux sensor fabricated with Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technologies was applied to research on the heat transfer of an impinging diesel jet. The MEMS sensor had a high sensitivity and multiple measurement points with a scale comparable to the turbulence of in-cylinder flow for the investigation of local instantaneous heat transfer characteristics in engines. Measurements of wall temperature and heat flux were conducted in a constant volume chamber under the reference conditions of Engine Combustion Network (ENC) Spray A with variations in injection pressure. As a result, the maximum heat flux and heat transfer coefficient reached about 5 MW/m² and 3 MW/(m² K), respectively. The results were compared to those obtained with a commercially available thermocouple, and both sensors produced similar trends. In addition, fluid motion near the wall was estimated from the heat flux fluctuations using a cross-correlation analysis. The relationship between heat transfer and flow was investigated in a dimensionless number fashion, and it was compared to a semi-theoretical prediction that was based on a steady state laminar flow heat transfer model.