Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Cyclic Dispersion - Some Quantitative Cause-and-Effect Relationships
Cyclic Dispersion - Some Quantitative Cause-and-Effect Relationships
Cyclic Dispersion - Some Quantitative Cause-and-Effect Relationships
800459
Cyclic Dispersion -
Some Quantitative
Cause-and-Effect Relationships
Michael B. Young
Engine Research Dept.
General Motors Research Labs.
T h e appearance of the c o d e at the bottom of the first page of this paper indicates
S A E ' s consent that copies of the paper may be made for persona! or internal use, or
for the personal or internal use of specific clients. This consent is given on the c o n -
dition, however, that the copier pay the stated per article copy fee through the
Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., Operations Center, P.O. Box 765, Schenectady,
N.Y. 12301, for copying beyond that permitted by Sections 107 or 108 of the U.S.
Copyright Law. This consent does not extend to other kinds of copying such a s
copying for general distribution, for advertising or promotional purposes, for
creating new collective works, or for resale.
Papers published prior to 1978 may also be copied at a per paper fee of $2.50
under the above stated conditions.
S A E routinely stocks printed papers for a period of three years following date of
publication. Direct your orders to S A E Order Department.
ISSN 0148-7191
C o p y r i g h t © 1980 S o c i e t y o f A u t o m o t i v e Engineers, I n c .
Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, August 19, 2018
800459
Cyclic Dispersion -
Some Quantitative
Cause-and-Effect Relationships
Michael B. Y o u n g
Engine Research Dept.
General Motors Research Labs.
MUCH WORK HAS BEEN DONE in the area of cycle-to- o p e r a t i n g c o n d i t i o n s and combustion chamber
cycle behavior of the homogeneous-charge spark- geometry on t h e n a t u r e o f e n g i n e c o m b u s t i o n , and
ignited engine [1-183". !n these studies many subsequently of the e f f e c t s of engine combustion
variables have been used to characterize cycle- c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s on engine s t a b i l i t y (IMEP
to-cycle variations. Flame arrival times [1-8], variability), is lacking. The o b j e c t i v e of this
mass burning rates [9-10], peak pressures s t u d y was t o h e l p f i l l this void. Vehicle
[11-l*f], maximum rates of pressure rise [15], d r i v e a b i l i t y p r o b l e m s c a n be a d d r e s s e d m o r e
crankangles of peak pressure [12], and indicated e f f e c t i v e l y when t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p between
mean e f f e c t i v e pressures (1MEP) [16-18] are combustion c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s and e n g i n e p e r f o r m -
examples of variables that have been investi- ance s t a b i l i t y (IMEP v a r i a t i o n s ) is understood
gated as functions of engine operating condi- in q u a n t i t a t i v e detail.
tions and, more rarely, of combustion chamber The v i e w taken in t h i s study i s t h a t the
geometry. Individual studies concentrated on combustion c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s , s p e c i f i c a l l y igni-
the variability of either the combustion or t i o n d e l a y and combustion d u r a t i o n (defined
the cylinder pressure development without
attempting to link the two. As a consequence a -Numbers i n brackets designate references at end
complete understanding of the effects of engine of paper.
ABSTRACT
Comprehensive single-cylinder engine data combustion, in turn, was affected by both the
for three combustion chambers were analyzed engine operating conditions and chamber geomet-
statistically in order to quantify the effects ric characteristics. The chemical factors --
of engine operating conditions and chamber air fuel ratio and residual fraction -- affected
geometric variables on c o m b u s t i o n characteris- both the length and variability of combustion
tics, and o f combustion on e n g i n e performance (on a crank angle basis). The physical
stability. Operating condition variables of factors chamber geometry, spark timing,
interest were air-fuel ratio, residual fraction engine speed, and fueling level -- affected
(internal plus external EGR), spark timing, primarily the length of the combustion event
engine speed, and fueling level (trapped fuel and secondarily the steadiness of combustion.
per cycle). Geometric parameters of importance Currently, the most practical approach for
were chamber "openness" and squish. improving engine stability appears to be
Combustion and e n g i n e performance stability shortening of the overall combustion event.
were found to be related such that engine Adjustments of physical factors, particularly
stability was improved when combustion varia- chamber openness and turbulence-generating
tions were reduced, as would be e x p e c t e d , and/or features, provide a good o p p o r t u n i t y for
when the combustion event was shortened. The achieving this reduction.
0148-7191/80/0225-0459S02.50
Copyright © 1980 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, August 19, 2018
2 800459
CAUSE-AND-EFFECT RELATIONSHIPS
DATA BASE
Analyses of the experimental data were
based on the overall cause~and-effeet relation- The data used in this study were obtained
ships shown in the path diagram of Fig. 1. from engine tests performed during a combustion
Statistical analysis was used to identify the chamber study [19] in which the performances of
important cause-effect paths and to quantify two c o m b u s t i o n chambers an open and a
their relative strengths. In Fig. 1, the boxes wedge -- w e r e compared. Additional data from
represent various physical quantities and engine tests of a modified wedge chamber [20]
phenomena. The a r r o w s indicate the cause-effect were also included. All engine builds had
paths -- the causes residing at the tails, and identical bores ( 9 5 mm) a n d strokes (88.4 mm).
the effects at the heads o f the arrows. Start- Cross-sections showing the shapes and spark plug
ing from the right of Fig. 1 , we s e e that engine locations of these three chambers are shown in
stability is directly affected by both combus- Fig. 2.
tion and spark timing. Spark timing, as it In t h e r e f e r e n c e d chamber s t u d y , single-
determines the phasing of combustion to cylinder c y l i n d e r engines were tested over ranges of
volume, impacts directly on e n g i n e stability. operating conditions. The t e s t - p o i n t m a t r i x f o r
Spark timing indirectly influences engine t h e e n g i n e t e s t s was based on a c o m p o s i t e
stability through its affect on combustion experimental design [19,23] in which wide ranges
(solid arrow from spark timing to combustion). o f o p e r a t i n g c o n d i t i o n s c o u l d be c o v e r e d w i t h a
At a more fundamental level, the nature of m o d e r a t e number o f t e s t p o i n t s . The o p e r a t i n g
CHAMBER
RESIDUAL
FRACTION
A I R - F U E L RATIO
WEDGE CHAMBER OPEN CHAMBER
ENGINE
STABILITY
ENGINE SPEED
FUELING LEVEL
S P A R K TIMING
MODIFIED W E D G E CHAMBER
800459 3
condition variables were a i r - f u e l ratio, this context, had the highest coefficient of
external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), engine determination (R-square), which is a measure of
speed, spark timing, and fueling level. how w e l l the equation explains the variation of
Although external EGR w a s varied during the the data [23]. The "good" equations had lower
engine tests, trapped residua1 fraction R-square values. From this choice of equations,
(internal plus external EGR) was used as an t h e model equation with t h e optimum number and
explanatory (independent) variable in the most physically meaningful terms was selected.
analyses of the data. The ranges of the varia- RIDGE was used to search for significant
bles, along with average and standard devia- multi-col1inearity, i.e., high correlation
tions, are summarized in the tables and figures between explanatory variables, in the regression
of Appendix A. In total, 146 t e s t points were equation [22,25], and to modify the regression
included in the data base. In a d d i t i o n to coefficients (Bn's in Eq. 1) as necessary.
steady state data, 96 c o n s e c u t i v e cycles of Mu1ti-col1inear effects were found to be unim-
cylinder pressure data were recorded at each portant in this study.
test point. Test fuel was Indolene Clear. VARIABLES OF INTEREST - The explanatory
Detailed descriptions of the engine test points, and response variables considered in this study
test procedures, and engine characteristics can are shown in the path diagrams of engine
be found in Refs. 19 a n d 20. combustion (Fig. 3) and engine performance
stab!1ity (Fig. 4).
DATA ANALYSIS Engine Combustion Path Diagram - The
explanatory variables, shown a t the left of
In the composite-design based engine tests Fig. 3, were the chemical factors of air-fuel
[19], many o p e r a t i n g conditions were varied ratio and trapped residual gas fraction
simultaneously, confounding the effects of the (internal plus external EGR), and the physical
individual variables on both combustion and factors of spark timing, engine speed, fueling
engine performance. To separate the individual level, and two g e o m e t r i c parameters character-
effects, statistical procedures, namely regres- izing combustion chamber squish and openness.
sion analyses, were employed. In these statis- Two o t h e r parameters were used as candidate
tical analyses, equations were generated to geometric variables, but were not found to be
quantify the effects of the explanatory important (see Appendix B). The response varia-
(1ndependent) variables on the response (depend- bles, shown collectively at the right of Fig. 3,
ent) variables. The general form of a regres- consist of means and variations of both ignition
sion equation was: delay and combustion duration (defined later).
In addition to the main path diagram, two
RESPONSE = BO + B f TERM! + B2 TERM2 other path diagrams in which spark timing and
residual fraction are secondary response varia-
+ + Bn TERMn 0 ) bles are shown in Fig. 3 as broken lines. These
diagrams reflect the practical constraints
where RESPONSE is the dependent variable, Bn's placed on the highest permissible level of an
are the regression coefficients, and the TERMn's explanatory variable by the other explanatory
are the explanatory terms. Various statistical variables. The secondary paths connecting
software packages were used to select appropri- chamber geometry and air-fuel ratio to residuals
ate terms from c a n d i d a t e terms and to calculate illustrate that the maximum level of residuals
the corresponding regression coefficients. that can be tolerated by an engine under normal
STATISTICAL SOFTWARE PACKAGES - Three combustion is dependent on the chamber geometry
available software packages were used to analyze and air-fuel ratio. Similarly the secondary
these data: SPSS [22], SCREEN [23] and RIDGE path connecting chamber geometry, air-fuel
[24]. Although each of these packages supported ratio, residuals, engine speed, and fueling
regression analyses, each had u n i q u e features level to spark timing illustrates that the
which were utilized. maximum p r a c t i c a l spark advance, namely MBT, is
SPSS was used for the initial data analyses dependent on chamber geometry and engine operat-
to determine if geometric factors had noticeable ing conditions. In all engine tests levels of
effects on e n g i n e combustion. Through the use spark advance and residual fraction were
of dummy v a r i a b l e s [22] to represent the various within the acceptable limits.
chambers, the importance of chamber geometry was
detected without having to include detailed Engine Performance Stab 11ity Path Diagram -
geometric data. Where chamber geometry was Engine performance stability was assumed to be
found to be important, further regression analy- a response variable resulting directly from the
ses, which included detailed geometric factors combustion process and the phasing of the
as explanatory variables, were carried out. combustion to the cylinder volume, Fig. 4. The
SCREEN was used to provide a range of explanatory variables were the means and
acceptable equations -- a " b e s t " and several variations of ignition delay and combustion
"good" equations -- from which the final model duration, as they characterize the combustion
equation was chosen. The " b e s t " equation, in process, and spark timing, as it phases the
Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, August 19, 2018
800459
4
CHAMBER
GEOMETRY
RESIDUAL
FRACTION
COMBUSTION
• AIR-FUEL RATIO
MEANS & VARIATIONS
OF
IGNITION COMBUSTION
h-- ENGINE SPEED DELAY DURATION
FUELING LEVEL
- SPARK TIMING
800459 5
6 800459
t i o n s , a r e s u m m a r i z e d by t a b l e s a n d f i g u r e s in
chamber geometry, m a i n l y through t h e e f f e c t o f
Append ix A .
•geometry on c o m b u s t i o n d u r a t i o n . When t h e
dummy g e o m e t r i c v a r i a b l e s w e r e u s e d i n t h e
RESULTS OF DATA ANALYSES a n a l y s i s o f t h e MBT d a t a , R - s q u a r e increased
from 0.81 to 0.89.
The r e s u l t s o f the s t a t i s t i c a l a n a l y s e s of QUANTITATIVE RESULTS - Q u a n t i t a t i v e results
the e x p e r i m e n t a l combustion and engine stability of the s t a t i s t i c a l analyses are presented in
data are presented below. R e s u l t s of the three forms: ( 1 ) t h e s e l e c t e d model regression
i n i t i a l analyses to determine q u a l i t a t i v e equation of a form corresponding to Eq. 1 ,
e f f e c t s o f chamber geometry on t h e c o m b u s t i o n together w i t h s t a t i s t i c a l data summarizing both
are presented f i r s t . R e s u l t s o f t h e more the regression "goodness" of f i t ( R - s q u a r e ) and
d e t a i l e d a n a l y s e s , including the q u a n t i t a t i v e the a v e r a g e d i f f e r e n c e between the p r e d i c t i o n s
e f f e c t s o f t h e chamber g e o m e t r y , follow. o f the r e g r e s s i o n e q u a t i o n and t h e measured
Q U A L I T A T I V E I N F L U E N C E OF CHAMBER GEOMETRY d a t a (RMS e r r o r ) ; ( 2 ) t a b u l a r s u m m a r i e s o f the
ON C O M B U S T I O N - T h e i n i t i a l a n a l y s e s o f t h e q u a l i t a t i v e e f f e c t of each explanatory variable
combustion data were aimed a t e s t a b l i s h i n g the on t h e r e s p o n s e v a r i a b l e s ; and ( 3 ) c a r p e t plots
i m p o r t a n c e of t h e chamber geometry on the showing the o v e r a l l q u a n t i t a t i v e e f f e c t s o f the
c o m b u s t i o n t h r o u g h t h e u s e o f dummy v a r i a b l e s e x p l a n a t o r y v a r i a b l e s on t h e r e s p o n s e v a r i a b l e s .
[22]. In u s i n g t h e s e r e s u l t s , t h e r e a d e r i s c a u t i o n e d
t o keep in mind t h e i n f e r e n c e spaces f o r w h i c h
B o t h mean a n d v a r i a t i o n s o f i g n i t i o n d e l a y
the r e s u l t s a r e v a l i d (see Appendix A ) .
w e r e f o u n d t o be v e r y i n s e n s i t i v e t o t h e d e t a i l s
o f t h e chamber g e o m e t r y . C o e f f i c i e n t s of E f f e c t s o f Combustion on E n g i n e S t a b i J J t y -
determination ("goodness" of f i t , or R-square) E q . 2 i s t h e model r e g r e s s i o n e q u a t i o n s h o w i n g
f o r r e g r e s s i o n s w i t h a n d w i t h o u t t h e dummy t h e e f f e c t s o f t h e c o m b u s t i o n v a r i a b l e s and
v a r i a b l e s w e r e n o t v e r y d i f f e r e n t , a s shown a b s o l u t e s p a r k t i m i n g on n o r m a l i z e d IMEP v a r i a -
b e 1ow. tions. R - s q u a r e a n d RMS e r r o r v a l u e s a s s o c i a t e d
R-square w i t h t h i s e q u a t i o n were 0.97 ( r e l a t i v e t o a
maximum v a l u e o f 1 . 0 ) a n d 0.6%, respectively.
ignition Delay with geometry without geometry The s y m b o l i c v a r i a b l e names in E q . 2 a r e d e f i n e d
in Table 1 . Corresponding carpet plots are
Mean 0.95 0-94 shown in F i g s . 7 t h r o u g h 10.
Variation 0.80 0-78
800459
IMEP Var - - ,03128 - . 4 8 9 1 1 DOUR in conjunction with spark timing determine the
strength of the coupling between combustion and
+ .63027E-O3 DUR DUR + ,011254 DDEL engine stability. This is accomplished by the
phasing of the combustion and subsequent
* .10302 DOUR D D E L - .022400 SPK DDEL cylinder pressure to the cylinder volume (p~v
phasing in Table l ) . Improved phasing, corres-
+ .72527 DDUR DEL/SPK (2) ponding to more energy release at piston
positions around top dead center, attenuates
Although the results presented in Eq. 2 the coupling between the combustion variability
and in Figs. 7 through 10 w e r e determined from and engine stability. At a more fundamental
engine tests of open, wedge, a n d mod I f t e d - w e d g e 1eve 1, a reduction of the combustion variations
combustion chambers, they are generally applica- results In decreased IMEP variations (improved
ble to other chamber configurations having the engine performance stability).
same ranges of combustion variables and spark From t h e s e results, several general conclu-
timing, i.e., the same inference space (Tables sions can be reached with regard to maximizing
A-2 and A~3> A p p e n d i x A). eng i ne stab11i ty ( m J n i r c i z i ng I HEP v a r i a t i o n s ) ,
Qualitative effects of increasing each At fixed spark timing, maximum e n g i n e stability
explanatory variable, one at a time, on IMEP occurs with the fastest (shortest Ignition
variations and the reasons for these effects delay and combustion duration) and steadiest
are summarized in Table 1- The lengths of the
ignition-delay and combustion-duration interval;
10
DURATION VAR,
DURATION VAR. 9.0 C A D E G .
6.0 C A D E G
5.5
DURATION VAR. DURATION VAR.
§ 5 4.0 C A D E G 6.0 CA D E G A
U4.5
DURATION VAR.
£ 4 " 2 0 CA DEG ^ >
$ 5 Q
- D E L A Y V A R . - 1.0 C A D E G D E L A Y V A R . - 1.5 CA D E G
D E L A Y V A R . - 2,0 C A D E G D E L A Y V A R . - 3.0 C A D E G
20 r
DURATION VAR.
12.0 C A D E G , „ t 8 DURATION VAR.
15.0 C A D E G •
b~
DURATION VAR.
L> 10.0 C A D E G
us * H
a.
z 1 2 DURATIOr
5.0 C A D E G . V
§10 Lit
1
cc 8
<
> 6
a
UJ ^
0
- DELAY VAR. - 2 0 CA DEG D E L A Y V A R . - 2.5 CA D E G
D E L A Y V A R . - 4.0 C A D E G D E L A Y V A R . - 5.0 C A D E G
8 800459
E f f e c t s o f O p e r a t i n g C o n d i t i o n s and
Chamber G e o m e t r y on C o m b u s t i o n - In a d d i t i o n t o F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.024 G / L / C Y C L E
presenting the r e s u l t s of the analyses of the F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.038 G / L / C Y C L E
combustion d a t a in e q u a t i o n , t a b u l a r , and
graphical forms, the strength of each cause-
e f f e c t p a t h was e x p l o r e d , and e a c h e x p l a n a t o r y
v a r i a b l e was c l a s s i f i e d e i t h e r a s p r i m a r y o r Fig. 11 - Ignition delay carpet plot -- engine
s e c o n d a r y , d e p e n d i n g upon t h e s t r e n g t h o f its s p e e d = 1700 r/min. Ignition delays at other
e f f e c t on t h e r e s p o n s e v a r i a b l e . Determination engine speeds can be determined by adding
o f t h e s t r e n g t h o f a g i v e n r e l a t i o n s h i p was A DELAY from the equation below to the value
made by e v a l u a t i n g t h e r e g r e s s i o n e q u a t i o n w i t h of the ignition delay from the plot.
the explanatory v a r i a b l e of i n t e r e s t set at low
A DELAY = 0 . 0 8 7 8 4 FL [RPM - 1700.];
and a t h i g h v a l u e s c o r r e s p o n d i n g t o one s t a n d a r d
FL = f u e l t ng 1evel
d e v i a t i o n b e l o w a n d a b o v e t h e mean v a l u e ,
r e s p e c t i v e l y , while keeping the remaining
e x p l a n a t o r y v a r i a b l e s a t t h e i r mean v a l u e s (see
A p p e n d i x A f o r means and s t a n d a r d d e v i a t i o n s ) . T a b l e 2 - Q u a l i t a t i v e E f f e c t s of Operating
C o n d i t i o n s on i g n i t i o n Delay
I f t h e r e s u l t i n g change in r e s p o n s e were
n o t i c e a b l y l a r g e r t h a n t h e r e g r e s s i o n RMS I ncrease I g n i t i o n D ei ay i Delay V a r i a t ions
e r r o r , t h e v a r i a b l e c a u s i n g t h a t c h a n g e was>
Residuals (RES) Increases Increases
d e f i n e d t o be a p r i m a r y e x p l a n a t o r y v a r i a b l e .
A i r - f u e l R a t i o (AF) Increases Increases
O t h e r w i s e i t w a s d e f i n e d t o be a s e c o n d a r y Spark Advance (SPK) Increases Increases
variable. B e c a u s e o f t h e s e p r o c e d u r e s and Engine Speed (RPM) Increases I ncreases
Fueling Leve! (FL) Decreases Decreases
Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, August 19, 2018
800459 9
and lowest engine speed, Fig. 11. Evaluation of ignition delay occurred at conditions
of the relative strengths of the causal paths, corresponding to the shortest mean ignition
via the regression equation, revealed that delay, namely, the most retarded spark timing,
residual fraction, air-fuel ratio, and spark the 1owest residua1 fraction, the 1east 1ean
timing were primary explanatory variables, air-fuel ratio, the highest fueling level, and
whereas fueling level and engine speed were the lowest engine speed, Fig. 12. In contrast
secondary explanatory variables. Ignition to the mean ignition delay, however, only
delay increased by 7-7> 5 * 1 , and 6,2 CA degrees residual fraction and a i r - f u e l ratio appeared
in response to the low-to~high changes of the to be primary variables, with spark timing,
residual fraction, air-fuel ratio, and spark fueling level and engine speed being secondary
advance variables, respectively. In response variables. Again, evaluation of the regression
to the low-to-high changes of the fueling level equation, Eq. 4, with each explanatory variable
and engine speed variables, ignition delay at its low and high values, and the others at
increased by -0.8 and 1.2 CA d e g r e e s , respec- their mean v a l u e s , showed ignition delay varia-
tively. For comparison, the regression RMS tions increasing by 1.5 and 0.9 CA d e g r e e s when
error was 1.8 CA degrees. residual fraction and air-fuel ratio, respec-
Cycle-to-cycle variations of ignition tively, were increased. In response to the
delay were similarly affected by the five changes in spark timing, fueling level, and
operating conditions, as shown in Eq. 4. R- engine speed, ignition delay variations
square and RMS e r r o r values were 0.78 and 0.5 increased by only 0.6, - 0 . 5 , and 0.5 CA degrees,
CA d e g r e e s , respectively. A corresponding respectively. The regression RMS e r r o r for
carpet plot is shown in Fig. 12. The sensiti- these data was 0.5 CA degrees.
vity of the variation of ignition delay to In addition to being affected by the
engine speed changes is indicated in the engine operating conditions, the mean combus-
figure caption. tion duration was also strongly influenced by
the geometric squish and o p e n n e s s parameters.
DDEL = .32 + \397**9E-03 SPK SPK - 114-92 FL For the selected model regression equation, Eq.
5, R-square and RMS error were 0.83 and 6.0 CA
+ .094991 FL RPM ~ 3 8 9 . 8 5 FL RES degrees, respect ively. In Eq. 5, SPK! repre-
sents spark advance normalized by MBT timing.
- •53591E-06 RPM RPM Combustion duration carpet plots are shown in
Figs. 13, 14, and 15 f o r the open, wedge, and
+ 1.2683 AF RES (4) modified-wedge chambers, respectively. The
sensitivity of combustion duration to engine
Qualitatively, the ignition delay varia- speed changes is indicated in the figure
tions were affected by the operating variables captions. The effect of chamber geometry is
in the same m a n n e r as was the mean ignition
delay, Table 2. In general, minimum variations
_130
S P A R K ADV. O120
60.0 C A D E G
LU
SPK ADV/MBT SPK
<=» 110 0,50 SPK ADV/MBT SPK
A
0100 0.67, S P K A D V / M B T S P K
§ 9 0 0.84
19.0
b so I
18.0
< U J O
fi7.oG?j~
z 6 0
16.0
2 50
I 3 0
O
g 20 V ,
o
' ^ 0 ^ £ * V ~ - F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.024 Q / L / C Y C L E
0
10
^ - - - F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.038 G / L / C Y C L E o
— F U E L I N G L E V E L 0.024 G / L / C Y C L E x
- F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.038 G / L / C Y C L E
10 800459
i 9 0
5 80
§ 70
- 6 0
g 50
3 4 0
| 30
8 2 0
F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.024 G / L / C Y C L E 10 F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.024 G / L / C Y C L E
F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.038 G / L / C Y C L E F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.038 G / L / C Y C L E
140
Table 3 Q u a l i t a t i v e E f f e c t s o f O p e r a t i n g C o n d i t i o n s and
Geometric V a r i a b l e s on Combustion D u r a t i o n
; 1 9 0
_j Combustion Duration
/1 a . o ^ p OPENNESS =12.0 Increase Duration Variation
, '17.0 U.h-
;
SQUISH
SQUISH
800459 11
explanatory variables were engine speed and The qualitative effects of increasing
fueling level. increasing each primary explana- engine operating conditions and chamber geometry
tory variable, one at a time, from its low to variables on the v a r i a t i o n of combustion dura-
high value resulted in increases of combustion tion are listed in Table 3- For a given
duration of 25-5 (residual fraction), chamber, Figs. 17, 18, or 1 9 , m i n imum c o m b u s -
(air-fuel ratio), -8.8 (spark advance/MBT tion duration variations occurred at conditions
timing), -10.7 (squish), and -21.5 (openness) of shortest combustion duration, namely, least
CA d e g r e e s . The c o r r e s p o n d i n g effect of changes lean air-fuel ratio, lowest residual fraction,
In the engine speed was o n l y a 5-2 CA degree highest fueling level, maximum s p a r k advance
increase in duration. The changes in fueling (relative to MBT), and lowest engine speed. At
level had a negligible effect, only a 0.3 CA a given operating condition, greater openness,
degree increase, on c o m b u s t i o n duration. For
compar i s o n , the regress ion-associated RMS error
was 6.0 CA degrees. 30
SPK ADV/MBT SPK S P K ADV/MBT SPK
The cyclic variation of combustion duration 050 SPK ADV/MBT SPK 0.84
was affected by all the engine operating condi-
UJ
I'9-0 0.67
tions and chamber geometry parameters, as shown Q 'J19.0
30 r S P K A D V / M B T S P K
SPK ADV/MBT SPK SPK ADV/MBT SPK
SPK ADV/MBT SPK 0.67 0.50 S P K A D V / M B T S P K 0.84
£25
SPK ADV/MBT SPK f 19.0 0.67
0.50 A 19.0 Q
0.84
320 118.0;
i 1 5
< 10
cc
q <
>
z u
O o O
O 5 0 O
F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.024 G / L / C Y C L E cc F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.024 G / L / C Y C L E
F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.038 G / L / C Y C L E F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.038 G / L / C Y C L E
-10
Fig. 17 -
Open-chamber combustion-duration Fig. 19 -
Modified-wedge chamber combustion-
variation carpet plot engine speed = 1700 duration variation carpet plot -- e n g i n e speed =
r/min. Variations at other'engine speeds can be 1700 r/min. Variations at other engine speeds
determined by adding ADDUR f r o m the equation can be d e t e r m i n e d by adding ADDUR f r o m the
below to the value of variation from the plot. equation below to the value of variation from
ADDUR = 0 . 1 5 3 5 ^ - 0 3 AF [RPM - 1700.]; AF = the plot. ADDUR = 0 . 1 5 3 5 A E - 0 3 AF [RPM -
a i r-fuel r a t io 1700.]; AF = a i r - f u e l ratio
Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, August 19, 2018
12 800459
30 100r
525 O P E N N E S S ^6.0 .
ill 1900.0 R / M I N
,->p9 0 O P E N N E S S = 12.0
a 19.0
< 20 IJ 9.0
18.0 U J Q
15 17-0 O T P
10 ,'5.0 <
EE
-SQUISH - 0.0%
-10 - SQUISH = 16.0% F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.024 G / L / C Y C L E
F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.038 G / L / C Y C L E
100 To u t i l i z e t h e model r e g r e s s i o n e q u a t i o n s
1900.0 R / M I N and t h e c o r r e s p o n d i n g c a r p e t p l o t s involving
n o r m a l i z e d s p a r k t i m i n g , t h e d e p e n d e n c e o f MBT
t i m i n g on e n g i n e o p e r a t i n g c o n d i t i o n s and
c h a m b e r c o n f i g u r a t i o n m u s t be known i n o r d e r t o
determine the acceptable absolute spark advances
( g r e a t e r o r e q u a l t o O.38 MBT, but l e s s t h a n
MBT i n F i g s . A - 4 a n d A - 5 , A p p e n d i x A ) a s
functions of operating conditions. MBT v a l u e s
f o r the t h r e e chambers were regressed a g a i n s t
t h e o p e r a t i n g c o n d i t i o n s and chamber geometry
variables. F o r t h e s e l e c t e d model e q u a t i o n ,
E q . 7 , R - s q u a r e a n d RMS e r r o r v a l u e s w e r e 0 . 8 9
a n d 4 . 0 CA d e g r e e s , respectively.
• F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.024 G / L / C Y C L E
F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.038 G / L / C Y C L E
0 L
800459 13
100 100
O90
1900.0 R / M I N
80 1700.0 R / M I N 1 9 0
i
< A
18.0 O P E N N E S S = 12.0
'7.0 IX. P
z 60
< WJ16.0 9=jr
>
50
<
S I 40
cc
g 30
(f)
h- 2 0
CQ
S 10 F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.024 G / L / C Y C L E
F U E L I N G L E V E L - 0.038 G / L / C Y C L E
S Q U I S H = 0.0%
- S Q U I S H = 16.0%
Fig. 23 - Mod i f i e d - w e d g e chamber MBT spark
timing carpet plot
Fig. 24 - E f f e c t s of chamber openness and
squish, residual fraction, and air-fuel ratio on
MBT spark timing engine speed » 1700 r/min.
800459
14
a)
/o-ws
53-5
w
z
o
j= 3
<
<
W-OS
o-ws >- 2.5
W-OS,
"w m
o O
X
10 20 30 40 50 80 10 20 30 40 80
S P A R K A D V A N C E ( C A dug) S P A R K A D V A N C E (CAdeg)
Fig. 26 - Ignition delays for four chambers- Fig. 27 - Ignition delay variation for four
Labels show bounds on s p a r k advance (0.38 MBT to chambers. Labels show bounds o n spark advance
MBT) for each chamber (0.38 MBT t o MBT) for each chamber
o
p 10
<
a: „
< 8
Q 40
>
3 20
X
10 20 30 40 60 10 20 30 40
S P A R K A D V A N C E { C A deg) S P A R K A D V A N C E (CA
altered from wedge to open configurations percentage points when chamber shape was altered
(wedge versus O-WS a n d W-OS v e r s u s open chamber from wedge to open configurations (wedge versus
curves in Figs. 28 a n d 2 9 ) . Uncertainties O-WS a n d W-OS v e r s u s open chamber curves in
associated with these estimates of combust ion Fig. 30). The uncertainty associated with
duration and d u r a t i o n variation are 6.0 and 1,6 these projections of IMEP variations Is 0.6%,
CA d e g r e e s , the RMS-errors of Eqs. 5 and 6, the RMS-error of Eq. 2.
respectively. Similar effects of spark Overall for the chamber configurations
location and chamber shape on e n g i n e performance considered, spark location appears to be the
stability were also observed. In light of the dominant factor, with more c e n t r a l location
strong relation between combustion and engine being desirable, whereas combustion chamber
stability described earlier, this should not be shape is also important, but has a smaller
a surprise. With chamber shape fixed, projected effect than spark location, With identical
IMEP variations increased by 5 to 7 percentage spark locations, either near-center or near-
points when spark location was moved from near wall, t h e wedge shape appears to be marginally
the center of the chamber to nearer the wall better than the open shape.
(open versus O-WS a n d W-OS v e r s u s wedge chamber DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
curves in Fig. 30). With spark location fixed, la this section the previously described
projected IMEP variations Increased by 1 to 2 results are summarized, and the implications of
Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, August 19, 2018
800459 15
Explanatory Variable Igni t i o n Delay Combustion D u r a t i o n instantaneous propagation velocity is the sum
Mean Variation Mean Variation of the instantaneous burning and expansion
velocities. During the early combustion period,
Residual F r a c t i o n P (+) P (+) P <+> P <+)
the flame propagation velocity is determined
Air-fuel Ratio
Spark Timi ng
p
p
w
(+)
P (+)
S <+)
P (+)
P (-)
P
S
(+)
(-) primarily by the expansion velocity component,
Engine Speed s {+) S {+) S (+) s (+) with a secondary contribution from the burning
Fueling Level s (-) s (-) S <-) s {-)
Chamber Openness __ -- P _){ p (-) velocity [29]. As the combustion progresses,
Chamber S q u i s h -- -- P (-> s (+) the role of the expansion velocity diminishes,
and the burning velocity becomes the important
factor.
these results with regard to improving engine The chemical factors, air-fuel ratio and
stability are discussed. residual fraction, are primary variables with
SUMMARY OF R E S U L T S - From the analyses of increasing effects (+)- o n both ignition delay
the relationships of combustion to engine and combustion duration. The expansion velocity
stability, it is apparent that improved engine component of the flame propagation velocity is
stability can be a c h i e v e d by speeding up and/or affected by the energy density of the mixture,
steadying the combustion process, i.e., decreas- increasing as the energy density increases
ing t h e means and/or cycle-to-cycle variations (less lean air-fuel ratio and/or decreased
of Ignition delay and combustion duration. By residual fraction) [29]. As a consequence, for
speeding up the combustion, more e n e r g y can be the same mass burned, a more e n e r g e t i c mixture
released at piston positions around top dead produces a greater burned volume. Assuming a
center, where the cylinder volume is not chang- spherical-type flame front, a larger flame
ing rapidly. Under these conditions the trans- front area is also obtained. On a n incremental
formation of cycle-to-cycle combustion varia- basis, this larger flame area produces a higher
tions to cylinder pressure variations is at a mass burning rate for each additional unit of
relative minimum. As more e n e r g y is released flame travel. The net result is faster combus-
later in the cycle, the cylinder pressure tion -- shorter ignition delay and combustion
variations reflect not only the combustion durat ion.
variations, but also changes in cylinder Adjustments of the chemical factors toward
volume. Fundamentally, a reduction of the less lean air-fuel ratios and/or lower residual
combustion variations translates directly Into fractions also have a steadying effect on the
improved engine stability. Although based on combustion. It is generally accepted that
data from specific open, wedge, and modified™ cyclic variations of in-cylinder mixture motions
wedge chambers, these conclusions should be cause variations in combustion. With higher
universally applicable to any chamber configura expansion velocities during the ignitiqn-delay
t ion. and early combustion-duration periods, the
For the specific chambers considered in relative effect of the cyclic mixture-motion
this study, the effects of the engine operating variations on the flame propagation is reduced.
Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, August 19, 2018
16 800459
Thus more stable combustion, as manifested by volume, either by shortening combustion periods
lower cyclic variations of ignition delay and or by advancing spark timing toward MBT timing.
combustion duration in this study, occurs as Improvements in engine stability obtained
the energy density of the mixture is increased. by adjusting the chemical factors — reducing
Physical operating conditions have mixed charge dilution with lowered air-fuel ratios
effects on c o m b u s t i o n . Spark advance, a primary and/or residual gases -- o c c u r because of both
variable in its effect on the mean combustion reduced combustion variations and improved
variables, has an increasing effect (+) on phasing of combustion to cylinder volume. In
ignition delay because of lower charge tempera- contrast, improvements of engine stability
tures and densities at the time of ignition, obtained by adjusting the physical factors of
but a decreasing effect (-) on combustion spark timing, fueling level, engine speed, and
duration, probably because of a more optimum chamber geometry, occur primarily because of
combination of pressures and temperatures better combustion-to-cylinder volume phasing,
during this main combustion period. In its generally occurring because of shortened
effects on c o m b u s t i o n variability, however, combustion periods. Of the physical factors,
spark timing is a secondary variable, having chamber geometry and spark timing variables
effects weaker, but directionally similar to, have the greatest influence on combustion and
its effects on the mean combustion variables. engine performance stability. Increased
Engine speed and fueling level are secondary openness, squish, and spark timing produce
variables having only weak e f f e c t s on engine Improved engine stability because of improved
combustion. Increasing engine speed results in combustion-to-volume phasing. An additional
longer and more unsteady combustion (on a benefit of greater openness ts a reduction of
crankangle basis). Although the real time of combustion variability. Spark timing has a
the combustion event is decreased because of similar, but weaker, effect on combustion
increased turbulence, this decrease is over- variations, whereas higher turbulence from
shadowed by an increase in the crankangle larger squish area has a weak, increasing
traveled per unit time (decreased cycle time) effect on these variations.
at higher engine speeds. For a given variation Of the two a p p r o a c h e s to reducing engine
i n real combust ion 11me, the larger crankang1e stability problems, improvement of the combus-
traveled per unit time at higher speeds also tion-to-volume phasing appears to be the most
results in larger crankangle variations of the practical, not because of the ease with which
combustion periods. Fueling level has a weak, this improvement can be achieved, but converse-
decreasing effect (-), with higher fueling ly, because of the difficulty involved with
levels producing generally shorter and steadier reducing combustion variability. As discussed
combustion. previously and summaried in T a b l e 4, variables
Both chamber geometry openness and squish having primary effects on c o m b u s t i o n varia-
are very significant physical factors. These bility were limited to air-fuel ratio, residual
geometric factors are primary variables having fraction, and combustion chamber openness.
decreasing effects (-) on c o m b u s t i o n duration. Because of practical limitations on the ranges
Combustion durations decrease because of (l) of air-fuel ratio and residual fraction,
more a c c e s s i b l e chamber volume associated with adjustments of these variables have limited
increased chamber openness, and (2) higher potential for controlling cyclic combustion
burning velocities associated with increased variations. In some e n g i n e s built for sale in
squish (and resulting higher turbulence). The California and in most future production
larger flame-front area early in the combustion engines, air-fuel ratio will be fixed at
period, which accompanies larger chamber stoichiometric to be c o m p a t i b l e with emission
openness, is probably also responsible for the control systems incorporating both reducing and
decreasing effect (-) of chamber openness on oxidizing catalysts. Fortunately, this mixture
combustion duration variations. With a larger strength is close to the value for minimum
flame area, the relative effect of local area engine instabilities. in calibrating engines,
variations caused by m i x t u r e motion variations levels of residual fraction are set, via levels
is reduced. Increased turbulence, deduced from of external EGR, to be c o n s i s t e n t with emissions
the effect of the squish parameter, appears to constraints. For lowest combustion variations,
have a weak, increasing effect (+) on combustion external EGR levels should be as low as possi-
duration variations. ble. Increased chamber openness has a greater
IMPROVING ENGINE PERFORMANCE STABILITY - potential for reduced variations of combustion.
From the above analyses of the engine-stability Equally important are the reduced combustion
path diagram, two a p p r o a c h e s can be taken periods which result from increased chamber
toward improving engine stability. One approach openness. Although not InvestIgated In this
is to reduce the combustion variability, the study, the potential for reducing cyclic varia-
fundamental cause of the engine stability tions of combustion through reduced variations
problem. The other approach is to attenuate of mixture motion should not be overlooked.
the effects of combustion variations by improv- Currently, however, the dependence of variations
ing the phasing of combustion-to-cylinder of mixture motion on e n g i n e geometry, including
Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, August 19, 2018
800459 17
intake manifolds, ports, and valves, are not Ignition delay is not affected by the chamber
well understood. Overall, adjustments of geometry. Greater openness (including the
physical factors, particularly chamber openness effect of better spark plug location) also
and turbulence-generating features of combus- leads to lower combustion duration variations,
tion chambers, to produce faster combustion whereas more squish (and presumably higher
appear to be the most practical and, at present, squish turbulence) appears to increase weakly
to have the greatest potential for improving these variations.
engine stabi1i ty. b. Advanced spark timing (up to MBT
timing) has a net effect of shortening the
SUMMARY combustion period (in CA d e g r e e s ) . Spark
timing has only a weak e f f e c t on combustion
Quantitative relationships which describe va r i a t ions.
the effects of combustion on e n g i n e performance c. Engine speed and fueling level
stability and of engine operating conditions appear to have weak effects on t h e combustion
and chamber geometry on c o m b u s t i o n characteris- (on a crankangle basis). In general, increased
tics have been established for the three engine speed increases both duration of combus-
chambers considered in this study. These tion and its variability. Fueling level has
relationships are provided in the text in the the opposite tendency.
form of model regression equations and corres-
ponding carpet plots. CONCLUSIONS
The relation between combustion and engine
performance stability indicates that improved Currently, the most practical approach for
engine stability can be o b t a i n e d by: improving engine stability is to shorten the
1. Reducing engine combustion variations, combustion event (on a CA b a s t s ) through
the fundamental cause of engine performance adjustments of physical factors, mainly chamber
variations. openness and turbulence-generating features.
2. Attenuating the strength of the Although more fundamental to the engine sta-
coupling between the combustion and engine bility problem, reduction of combustion
performance variations through improved variations Is more difficult to achieve.
combustion-cylinder volume phasing. This
improved phasing occurs when more e n e r g y Is ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
released at piston positions around top dead
center and can be o b t a i n e d by shortening the The author would like to thank R. R.
combustion event and by advancing the spark Toepel, formerly of the Engine Research Depart-
timing toward MBT timing. ment and currently with Detroit Diesel Allison
Although based on d a t a from three specific Division, a n d J . H. Tuttle, Engine Research
combustion chambers, the above observations Department, for supplying the engine test data
should apply to other chamber configurations as used in this study and for discussions of
well. Use o f the quantitative combustion- experimental procedures; J . C. DeSantis and E.
engine stability relationships for other G. Groff, Engine Research Department, for
chambers should also apply as long as the providing the volume burned-flame radius data
combustion inference space for these chambers for the three chambers; and D. I. Gibbons,
is similar the inference space of this study Mathematics Department, for helpful discussions
(see Append t x A). on RIDGE analysis and on the use of RIDGE
At a more fundamental level, combustion computer programs.
characteristics for improved engine stability
can be o b t a i n e d by a d j u s t m e n t s of operating REFERENCES
conditions and chamber geometry. For the open,
wedge, and modified-wedge chambers and the 1. G. A. Harrow, P. L. Orman, "A Study
operating conditions considered in this study: of Flame Propagation and Cyclic Dispersion in
1. Adjustments of chemical factors a Spark-Ignition Engine," Advanced School of
air-fuel ratio and residual fraction — toward Automotive Engineering (Part IV), Combustion
mixtures of greater energy density produce both Processes in the Spark Ignition Engine, Per-
shorter combustion events and smaller combus- gamon Press, July 1965-
tion variations (on a crankangle basis). 2. J . A. Warren, J . B. Hinkamp, "New
2. Adjustments of physical factors Instrumentation for Engine Combustion Studies,"
chamber openness and squish, spark timing, SAE Transactions, Vol. 64, 1956.
engine speed, and fueling level -- affect 3. S. Curry, "A Three Dimensional Study
primarily the mean c o m b u s t i o n characteristics of Flame Propagation in a Spark Ignition
and secondarily the combustion variations. Engine," SAE Transactions, Vol. 7 1 , 1963.
Chamber geometry and spark timing are the most 4. E. S. Starkman, F. M. Strange,
important physical factors. T. J . Dahm, " F l a m e Speeds and Pressure Rise
a. Greater chamber openness and in Spark Ignition Engines," SAE Paper No. 83V,
squish result in shortened combustion duration. 1959-
Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, August 19, 2018
18 800459
800459 19
0.6 r 100 R
• = DATA B O U N D S
Q=DATA BOUNDS
o =OPEN CHAM.
o ^OPEN CHAM.
0.5 en &= W E D G E C H A M .
a = WEDGE CHAM.
•§80 0= M O D - W E D G E C H A M .
0= M O D - W E D G E C H A M .
<
cc
^0.3
<
90.2
to
tu
K
0.1
0.0
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 16 17 18 19
AIR-FUEL RATIO AIR-FUEL RATIO
Fig. A-l - Scatter plot of residual fraction vs Fig. A-2 - Scatterplot of spark timing vs. air-
air-fuel ratio fuel ratio
LU
U $ 1
| 40
>
a.
<
cc 20 % . 6
<
0.4 h
a.
0 0.2
0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
R E S I D U A L FRACTION AIR-FUEL RATIO
1.6
n= D A T A B O U N D S
c - OPEN CHAM. 0.06
O = DATA B O U N D S
1.4 -'• = W E D G E C H A M . o = OPEN CHAM.
-s^ M O D - W E D G E C H A M . d= W E D G E C H A M .
1.2
£ 0.05
o 0= MOD-WEDGE CHAM.
\
_j
1 3 0.04
_j
UJ
5 0.8
a.
> 0.03
z
_!
LU
0.4 - ^
LL
0.2 0.01
0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
RESIDUAL FRACTION E N G I N E S P E E D (r/min)
Fig. A-5 - S c a t t e r p l o t of normalized spark Fig. A-6 - Scatterplot of fueling level vs.
timing vs. residual fraction engine speed
Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, August 19, 2018
800459
20
60
O- D A T A B O U N D S
T a b l e A-i - Ranges of R e s i d u a l s and Spark Advances
o = O P E N CHAM.
? SO ^ - WEDGE CHAM
A! - f u e l Ses idual Spark Advance 0 = MOD-WEDGE
f\at io Fractio'i MBT Timing < CHAM.
1$ 0.10-0<4l 0.38-1.0 «;
16 0.10-0.38 0.38-1.0 uj 30
17 0.1O-G.35 0.3$-1.0 0
18 0-!0~0.32 0.38-1.0
O 20
19 0,10-0.29 Q.38~i.o
P
n = l?-3 0.220 0.671
De\ . - 1.6 O.077 § 10
O L j J 1 l 1 i L t _ l
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
C O M B U S T I O N D U R A T I O N ( C A deg)
varies with air-fuel ratio from 0.41 (4i|) at 15
to about 0.29 (291) at 19 a i r - f u e l ratio
(Fig. A-l). Similarly, limits of spark advance Fig. A-7 - Scatterplot of Ignition delay vs.
also vary wlth air-fuel ratio and res tdual combustion duration
fraction (Figs. A-2 and A - 3 ) . However, when
spark advance was normalized by MBT timing, the
limits of spark advance were constant over a 0= D A T A B O U N D S - —
range of 0.38 to 1.00 for all conditions (Figs. Q = OPEN CHAM. 0
A-4 a n d A-5)- s & =W E D G E CHAM.
Combinations of engine speeds aod fueling •° O- MOD-WEDGE CHAM.
levels included in the engine tests are shown
in Fig. A~6 a n d a r e summarized, atong with the z
means and s t a n d a r d d e v i a t i o n s of each variable, o
be l o w . § 4
800459 21
0 = DATA BOUNDS
2
0 =OPEN CHAM. • = DATA B O U N D S
< ~ W E D G E CHAM. g> o = OPEN CHAM.
Q O = MOD-WEDGE CHAM. •o a =WEDGE CHAM.
< 6 - O = MOD-WEDGE CHAM.
CD
Q i I I 1 I i I I I I 01 I I I I I I I I i I
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
C O M B U S T I O N D U R A T I O N ( C A deg) I G N I T I O N D E L A Y ( C A deg)
35 35 18 2 4
45 18-25 2-3 4-6
55 18-30 2-4 4-10
normalized intake-valve annulus area, squish,
65 18-30 2-5 6-13
normalized maximum f l a m e - t r a v e l distance at top
75 18-30 2.3-5 8-15
dead center, and a parameter characterizing the 85 22-30 3-5 11-15
chamber "openness" were used as candidate
45 40 24-24 2.2-2.5 5-6
explanatory variables in the regression analy- 50 24-30 2.2-3-3 5-9
ses. Intake valve areas and s q u i s h were used 60 24-35 2.2-4.6 5-12
as relative measures of chamber turbulence. 70 24-35 2.2-5 7-14
Maximum flame travel distance was used as a 80 24-35 2.6-5 10-15
90 24-35 3.2-5 12-15
relative indicator of spark plug location. The
100 24-32 4-4 14-14
openness parameter, d e f i ned b e l o w , was used to
quantify the a c c e s s i b i l i t y of the contents of " Units in t a b l e are crankangle degrees
each chamber to a spherical flame propagating
from the spark plug.
The normalized intake-valve area variable,
with a 5% d i f f e r e n c e between maximum a n d mini- the ratio of constants "a" to "m" of Wiebe
mum v a l u e s , was not statistically significant functions ( E q . B-l) which were used to describe
in the a n a l y s e s . Similarly, the normalized volume-burned fraction versus normalized flame
maximum flame-travel distance, with values of radius curves (see F i g . 5 for typical curves).
0.59, 0.87, and 0.37 for the open, wedge, and The significance of the "a t o m" ratio Is
modified-wedge chambers, was not significant. described below. Voiume-burned fraction curves
It should be n o t e d that the openness parameter were obtained by g e o m e t r i c calculations of
includes an e f f e c t of spark plug location. volumes of spheres with different radii (flame
Squish, the percent bore area for which the radii) centered at the spark plug and inter-
clearance distance was equal to the gasket cepted by the cylinder head, piston crown, and
thickness, was found to be s i g n i f i c a n t . Squish cylinder walls. At any piston position, the
values were 0%, 5-8%, and 16% f o r the open, series of volumes of spheres with radii ranging
from zero to t h e maximum f l a m e travel distance
wedge, and modified-wedge chambers, respective-
were used to chart the progress of the spherical
ly. Chamber openness was a significant geomet-
flame as it traveled across the chamber.
ric variable. This variable was d e f i n e d to be
Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, August 19, 2018
800459
22
Values of openness for the three chambers were WIEBE FUNCTION PARAMETERS
determined by least-squares fitting computed Open Wedge Mod i f r e d - w e d g e
volume-burned fraction versus flame radius data Parameter Chamber C hambe r Chamber
for each chamber configuration at piston top "a" 20.94 8.29 9.39
dead center to a Wiebe function of form: "m" 1.85 1.47 1.51
a/m 11.3 5.6 6.2
V /V t = 1 - exp ( -a ( r/r b ) 1 , 1 + 1
) (B-l)
APPENDIX C - DETERMINATION OF COMBUSTION
where V/V^ is the volume-burned fraction VARIABLES
r is the flame travel distance
(radius of spherical flame The mass-burned fraction curve, a cumula-
front) tive time history of t h e mass burned in the
r^ is the diameter of the cylinder cylinder, was used to characterize the engine
bore combustion. The heat release analyses of
a,m are parameters to be determined Krieger-Borman (K-B) [27] and Rassweiler-
Withrow (R-W) [28] were used to compute this
Parameter "m" describes the shape of the curve from measured cylinder pressure-time data.
Wiebe curve. With "a" fixed, steeper rising In the K-B analysis, rates of mass burned are
curves, i.e., greater volume-burned fraction inferred from an energy balance among the work
per unit flame travel, have lower values of done, heat losses, change in internal energy of
"m". Parameter "a" is related to the maximum the charge, and fuel energy released during
flame travel distance, with larger "a" corres- the combustion. In addition to the cylinder
ponding to shorter distances. Thus parameter pressure data, detailed specifications of the
"a" is very sensitive to the spark plug loca- engine operating conditions, charge composition,
tion. The ratio " a / m " was chosen as a single and cylinder heat transfer characteristics
quantitative measure of the relative chamber are required input to the analysis. In the
openness. Increased a/m, because of increased R-W a n a l y s i s , the total change in cylinder
"a" or decreased "m" or both, reflects increased pressure is separated into the components due
accessibility of the unburned mass to the to piston motion and combustion. The mass-
propagating flame. The volume-burned fraction burned fraction curve is determined by assuming
data for the open, wedge, and modified-wedge that the fraction of total combustion pressure
chambers are shown in Fig. B-l (symbols) along change o c c u r r i n g In any time interval starting
with the corresponding least-squares-fit Wiebe at ignition was caused by the burning of an
function curves (1Ines). The parameters for equal fraction of the total combustible mass.
these Wiebe curves are listed below. The more The only input to this analysis Is the measured
desirable location of the spark plug in the pressure data phased to cylinder volume. In
open chamber is clearly shown in Fig. B-l, comparison to the K-B method, this analysis
where t h e maximum flame travel distance is 60% trades accuracy for simplicity.
of the bore dimension, and by the large value Results from the two heat release analysis
of "a" below. techniques for the same a v e r a g e pressure data
are compared in Figs. C-l and C-2, where the
R~W values of ignition delay and combustion
F L A M E R A D I U S / C Y L I N D E R B O R E - R/R B 0 R E K-B I G N I T I O N D E L A Y - C A
800459 23
K - B C O M B U S T I O N DURATION - CA
duration are plotted against the K-B values. the K-B analysis of the average pressure cycles
The solid lines in the figures indicate where to form o v e r a l l average combustion parameters,
the points would fall if there were perfect and were included in the data base described
correlation. Overall the K~B ignition delays in the text. Although more a c c u r a t e than the
and combustion durations were slightly shorter R-W a n a l y s i s , the complexity of the K-B heat
and longer, respectively, than the R-W counter- release requi res longer computational times.
parts. As a consequence, the K-B method is usually
Combustion parameters of interest in this applied to the average pressure cycles [30].
study were the averages and variations of igni- However because combustion parameters are not
tion delay and combustion duration. The R-W linearly related to the cylinder pressures,
analysis technique was used to determine the analysis of the average pressure cycles wi11
ignition delays and combustion durations of the not necessarily yield the same v a l u e s for these
96 individual pressure cycles recorded at each parameters as averaging the results from the
test point. Standard deviations of the delays analysis of the 96 individual pressure cycles.
and durations computed from these results were The o v e r a l l average delays and durations
used to quantify the combustion variations. described above were formed to reduce the un-
The averages of the 96 individual delays and certainty associated with determining the
durations were combined w i t h the results from "correct" values for these parameters.
Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, August 19, 2018
This paper is subject to revision. Statements and For permission to publish this paper in full or in part, contact the
opinions advanced in papers or discussion are the SAE Publications Division.
author's and are his responsibility, not the Society's; Persons wishing to submit papers to be considered for presentation
however, the paper has been edited by S A E for uni- or publication through SAE should send the manuscript or a 3 0 0
form styling and format. Discussion will be printed word abstract o f a proposed manuscript t o : Secretary, Engineering
with the paper if it is published in SAE Transactions. Activity Board, SAE.
Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc. 2
8 .page booklet. Printed in U.S.A.