Combustion dynamics in a spark ignition engine approaching the lean limit

R.M. Wagner, J.A. Drallmeier
University of Missouri-Rolla
Rolla MO 65409

C.S. Daw
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Knoxville TN 37932-6472

The focus of this investigation is to gain a better understanding of the impact of in-cylinder mixing on cycle-to-cycle combustion dynamics in a spark ignition engine approaching the lean limit. Experiments were performed with a well mixed cylinder charge and a relatively unmixed cylinder charge. The two groups of experiments consisted of decreasing the equivalence ratio in small increments from stoichiometric conditions until the lean limit was detected based on cylinder pressure. The results of this investigation indicated the degree of mixing had a significant impact on the cycle-to-cycle dynamics of the combustion process. Results for well mixed and unmixed conditions exhibited deterministic behavior approaching the lean limit. In addition, the determinism in the two different mixing conditions appeared to be the result of different factors. The experimental results were also compared to engine behavior predicted by a simple spark ignition engine model.

Wagner RM, Drallmeier JA, Daw CS (1997). Combustion dynamics in a spark ignition engine approaching the lean limit. Proceedings of the 1997 Spring Technical Meeting of the Central States Section of the Combustion Institute (Point Clear, Alabama USA; 1997 April 27-29): 236-241.

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