This paper deals with the numerical investigation of a Diesel engine high pressure DI system in which the influence of needle motion characteristics on the internal injector flows is evaluated; a radial perturbation of the axial needle motion has been imposed to analyze its role over the nozzle flow features. The developed model is based on the coupling of two computational tools. With the former one, AMESim code, the injector has been modeled; the results obtained from the injector simulation, in terms of injection needle lift time evolution, have been used to initialize the latter computation tool, FIRE code, in which 3D flow numerical investigation of the internal injector flows has been performed. Details of the adopted modeling strategy are presented and the results of each simulation step are shown

The use of lubricants and hydraulic fluids of both mineral and synthetic origin in agricultural processes could have a deep impact on the environment as a result of their possible dispersion in the ground and aquifers. Replacing them with bio-based fluids, developed to provide good tribological properties and high biodegradability, could contribute to reducing their negative effects. The evaluation of the capacity of such innovative fluids to replace the conventional ones is based on work cycles lasting as long as their lifetime, during which their characteristics must prove to be at least equal to those of the fluids they replace. To shorten the evaluation process, CREA (Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia Agraria) developed a fluid test rig (FTR) and related test method, able to apply severe work cycles on small oil volumes, thereby accelerating the aging of the fluid beyond what typically occurs. This paper reports the results of the tests on FTR’s functionality carried out comparing two UTTO (Universal Tractor Transmission Oil) fluids: a widespread conventional fluid and an experimental vegetable-based oil. The FTR will permit, in a relatively short time, the assessment of the most promising formulations to be tested later under real working conditions, e.g., in agricultural tractors, reducing the risk of damage, before their ultimate introduction into the operating reality.