A change in the degree of fuel atomization in a diesel engine most greatly affects which factor?

A change in the degree of fuel atomization in a diesel engine most greatly affects fuel penetration. This is because the process of atomization breaks the fuel into finer droplets, which can mix more thoroughly with the air in the combustion chamber. When the atomization is improved, the smaller droplets have a greater surface area relative to their volume, allowing for better evaporation and mixing with the intake air.

As a result, this enhanced mixing leads to more efficient combustion and better fuel penetration into the combustion chamber. Fuel that is better atomized can penetrate further into the combustion space for optimal burning, which can directly influence engine performance, emissions, and fuel efficiency.

While air turbulence, fuel spray angle, and fuel injection rate are also important factors in the combustion process, the improvement in atomization has a more immediate impact on how deeply the fuel can penetrate into the combustion space, making fuel penetration the most significantly influenced factor.