Flow Field Effects on Flame Kernel Formation in a Spark-Ignition Engine

R. Herweg; Ph. Begleris; A. Zettlitz; G.F.W. Ziegler

doi:10.4271/881639

1988-10-01

Flow Field Effects on Flame Kernel Formation in a Spark-Ignition Engine 881639

The effects of mixture turbulence and mean flow velocity on flame kernel formation in a spark-ignition engine were investigated using a disc-shaped optically accessible side chamber.

Three-dimensional flow predictions and LDA measurements were performed to get a better understanding of the flow field in this combustion chamber. Thin wire electrodes were located at a peripheral and a central position introduced into the combustion chamber via the glass windows. High-speed schlieren films at 40 kHz were taken from two orthogonal directions to visualize in detail the formation and development of the flame kernel. The purpose was to gain a better understanding of the interaction of turbulence and flame during the first milliseconds after spark breakdown of a transistorized coil ignition system and a capacitor discharge ignition system.

This study shows that the flame kernel is changed by the turbulence at flame radii of O.5 to 1 mm depending on turbulence intensity. At flame radii of more than 10 mm a fully developed turbulent flame has been formed. The influence of turbulence on the turbulent burning velocity during the flame kernel formation is less than during the main combustion period.

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Flow Field Effects on Flame Kernel Formation in a Spark-Ignition Engine 881639

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