EVALUATION OF POLYOXYMETHYLENE DIMETHYL ETHERS FOR COMPRESSION IGNITION ENGINES THROUGH EXPERIMENTS AND MECHANISM STUDY

Abstract

This thesis presents a thorough assessment of Polyoxymethylene Dimethyl Ethers (PODEn) as fuel additives in compression ignition (CI) engines, focusing on PODE3 and PODE4. The study evaluates engine performance and gauges gas emissions, with a special emphasis on particulate matter (PM) emissions. Advanced analytical techniques, including Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Raman Spectroscopy, and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, are employed for detailed soot characterization. The findings highlight the potential of PODE3 and PODE4 in enhancing CI engine performance. Additionally, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, particularly ReaxFF MD simulations, are conducted on PODE3-5, demonstrating their efficacy in predicting the decomposition pathways of PODE3. Furthermore, this work establishes a benchmark for the chemical kinetic model of PODE3, utilizing Quantum Chemistry calculations. The thesis also provides an accessible introduction to these methodologies for non-expert researchers, accompanied by a comprehensive case study, thereby offering valuable insights into the practical application of PODEn as fuel additives.