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This study investigates the practicality of vehicle coast down testing as a suitable replacement to moving floor wind tunnel experimentation. The recent implementation of full-scale moving floor wind tunnels is forcing a re-estimation of previous coefficient of drag determinations. Moreover, these wind tunnels are relatively expensive to build and operate and may not capture concepts such as linear and quadratic velocity dependency along with the influence of tire pressure on rolling resistance. As a result, the method elucidated here improves the accuracy of the fundamental vehicle modeling equations while remaining relatively affordable. The trends produced by incorporating on road test data into the model fit the values indicated by laboratory tests. This research chose equipment based on a balance between affordability and accuracy while illustrating that higher resolution frequency equipment would further enhance the model accuracy.

In this paper, the available correlations proposed in the literature for the gas-side heat transfer in the intake and exhaust system of a spark-ignition internal combustion engine were surveyed. It was noticed that these only by empirically fitted constants. This similarity provided the impetus for the authors to explore if a universal correlation could be developed. Based on a scaling approach using microscales of turbulence, the authors have fixed the exponential factor on the Reynolds number and thus reduced the number of adjustable coefficients to just one; the latter can be determined from a least squares curve-fit of available experimental data. Using intake and exhaust side data, it was shown that the universal correlation The correlation coefficient of this proposed heat transfer model with all available experimental data is 0.845 for the intake side and 0.800 for the exhaust side.

The recent increase in natural gas availability has made compressed natural gas (CNG) an option for fueling the transportation sector of the United States economy. In particular, CNG is advantageous in dual-fuel operation alongside ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) for compression ignition (CI) engines. This work investigates the usage of natural gas mixtures at varying Energy Substitution Rates (ESRs) within a high compression ratio single-cylinder CI engine, including performance and heat release modeling of dual-fuel combustion. Results demonstrate the differing behavior of utilizing CNG at various substitution rates.

Significant progress towards reducing diesel engine fuel consumption and emissions is possible through the simultaneous Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) and Particulate Matter (PM) filtration in a novel device described here as a Diesel Particulate Filter Heat Exchanger (DPFHX). This original device concept is based on the shell-and-tube heat exchanger geometry, where enlarged tubes contain DPF cores, allowing waste heat recovery from engine exhaust and allowing further energy capture from the exothermic PM regeneration event. The heat transferred to the working fluid on the shell side of the DPFHX becomes available for use in a secondary power cycle, which is an increasingly attractive method of boosting powertrain efficiency due to fuel savings of around 10 to 15%. Moreover, these fuel savings are proportional to the associated emissions reduction after a short warm-up period, with startup emissions relatively unchanged when implementing a WHR system.

The growing presence of Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) engines along with the prevalence of direct injected Compression Ignition (CI) engines results in the requirement of Particulate Matter (PM) exhaust abatement. This occurs through the implementation of Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPFs) and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). Modeling of GPFs and DPFs are analogous because of the similar flow patterns and wall flow PM capture methodology. Conventional modeling techniques include a two-channel (inlet/outlet) formulation that is applicable up to three-dimensions. However, the numerical stiffness that results from the need to couple the solution of these channels in compressible flow can result in relatively long run times. Previously, the author presented a lumped DPF model using dynamically incompressible flow intended for an Engine Control Unit (ECU) in order to generate a model that runs faster than real time using a high-level programming language.

Diesel knock and ringing combustion in compression ignition (CI) engines are largely an unavoidable phenomenon and are partially related to the overall effectiveness of the fuel injection process. Modern electronic fuel injection systems have been effective at reducing the intensity of knock in CI engines, largely through optimization of fuel injection timing, as well as higher operating pressures that promote enhanced fuel and air mixing. In this effort, a single-cylinder CI engine was tested under a number of different combustion strategies, including a comparison of mechanical and electronic injection systems, increasing fuel injection pressures for biodiesel fuels, and the usage of dual-fuel combustion with compressed natural gas (CNG). Using in-cylinder pressure traces and engine operational data, the difference in injection mechanisms, fuel preparation, and their effects on knock intensity is clearly illustrated.

With the rapid growth of biodiesel production, it is prudent to research ways to improve its operation and performance in an engine, especially concerning fuel economy and exhaust emissions. This requires a thorough understanding of both the biodiesel production and engine operating processes. Completion of a published study of the impact of biodiesel fuel properties on engine operation indicated that it is difficult to draw conclusions about the exact causes of increased NOx emissions with respect to biodiesel properties without the capability of measuring engine cylinder pressures. As improvements were made to the authors' laboratory, a system to monitor and record pressure inside a diesel engine during operation was constructed to test dissimilar fuels. In the current work, three different fuels were tested in order to investigate combustion phasing, emissions, and fuel consumption as a function of fuel properties such as density, viscosity, Cetane Number, and energy content.

In order to perform cutting-edge engine research that applies to modern Compression Ignition (CI) engines, a sophisticated test cell is needed that allows control of the engine and its auxiliary systems. The primary obstacle to the completion of such a test cell is the up-front expense. This paper covers the construction of a low cost, single-cylinder engine test cell while demonstrating the type of research that can be accomplished along the way. The components necessary for the construction, instrumentation, and operation of such a test cell, neglecting emissions analysis equipment, can be obtained for less than $150,000. The engine utilized, a naturally-aspirated single-cylinder Yanmar L100V, was purchased as an engine-generator package.

Given the need of the automotive industry to improve fuel efficiency, many companies are moving towards lean burn and low temperature combustion regimes. Critical control of these methods requires an accurate Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system that can maintain its desired rate and temperature. In this area, the literature illustrates different methodologies to control and monitor this EGR system; however, it lacks a discussion of how the non-linear nature of wave dynamics and time responses of an engine must be taken into account. In order to perform research into the use of EGR for these combustion regimes, an automated, closed-loop EGR system that uses a microprocessor to compute the slope change of the EGR rate and temperature as part of its feedback algorithm was constructed for use in a teaching and research laboratory. The findings illustrate that the system works as intended by replicating known combustion trends with EGR.

Transportation surveys illustrate that one of the most significant deterrents to bicycles as a form of conveyance is the concern with safety. Moreover, crash statistics also indicate that motor vehicles pose a severe risk to bicycles. As a result, this paper focuses on the development of a bicycle-mounted traffic monitoring system with the potential of providing early crash warnings to bicyclists. The system designed has a low monetary cost ($280.84) and is small enough to mount on a bicycle (94 mm × 56 mm × 89 mm). Moreover, it has sufficient range to track cars before they get dangerously close to the bike. The foundation of the system includes a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) module that includes direct compatibility with microcontrollers. This LIDAR module interacts with a camera, stepper motor, and small computers through interfacing hardware and software. While robust, one limitation of the system is processing power.

Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) have become a required aftertreatment device for Compression Ignition engine exhaust cleanup of Particulate Matter (PM). Moreover, with the increased prevalence of Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) systems, discussions are currently underway regarding the need of Gasoline Particulate Filters to handle the PM emanating from their combustion process. In this area, the two-channel DPF model has been widely successful in predicting the temperature, pressure drop, and species conversion in these devices. Because of the need to simulate compressible flow through the channels and a porous wall, these models have a difficult time achieving real-time predictive results suitable for an Engine Control Unit (ECU). As a result, this effort describes the creation of a lumped DPF model intended for an ECU. Model formulation was based on the standard governing equations, but simplified in order to remove as much computational overhead as possible.

A timing sweep to correlate the location of Maximum Brake Torque (MBT) was completed on a single-cylinder, direct injected compression ignition engine that was recently upgraded to a high-pressure rail injection system for better engine control. This sweep included emissions monitoring for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen for the calibration of a heat release model, as well as the opportunity to relate MBT timing to brake-specific emissions production. The result of this timing sweep was a relatively linear correlation between injection delay and peak pressure timing. In addition, a number of other MBT timing methodologies were tested indicating their applicability for immediate feedback upon engine testing, particularly mass fraction burned correlations. Emissions were either strongly correlated to MBT timing (with emissions being minimized in the vicinity of MBT), or were completely independent of MBT.

In-cylinder engine modeling is a necessary aspect of combustion research. In particular, simulating heat release connects variable combustion behavior to fuel properties through the 1st Law of Thermodynamics. One extension of such models is to evaluate changes to in-cylinder behavior using the Second Law of Thermodynamics in order to identify the peak period of availability for work extraction. Thus, Second Law models are a useful tool to augment research into alternative fuel usage and optimization. These models also help identify internal irreversibilities that are separate from heat transfer and exhaust gas losses. This study utilizes a multi-zone 1st and 2nd Law Heat Release model to characterize the changes in combustion behavior of a number of neat fuels used in a single-cylinder compression ignition (CI) engine.

As climate change drives the exploration into new and alternative fuels, biodiesel has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional diesel fuel. To further increase the viability of biodiesel, a unique system at the University of Kansas utilizes glycerin, the primary byproduct of biodiesel production, for power generation. This system converts glycerin into a hydrogen-rich gas (syngas) that is sent to an engine-generator system in one continuous flow process. The current setup allows for running the engine-generator system on pure propane, reformed propane, or reformed glycerin, with each fuel serving a unique purpose. This paper discusses upgrades in pure propane operation that serves the intent of preheating the engine prior to syngas operation and establishing the baseline energy requirement for fueling the system.

Biodiesel is a potential alternative to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD); however, it often suffers from increased fuel consumption in comparison to ULSD when injection timings and/or pressures are similar. To decrease fuel consumption, increasing biodiesel injection pressure has been found to mitigate the issues associated with its relatively high viscosity and lower energy content. When doing so, the literature indicates decreased emissions, albeit with potentially greater nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in contrast to ULSD. In order to better understand the trade-off between fuel consumption and NOx emissions, this study explores the influence of fuel injection pressure on ULSD, Waste Cooking Oil (WCO) biodiesel, and their blends in a single-cylinder compression ignition (CI) engine. In particular, fuel injection pressures and timings for WCO biodiesel and blended fuels are adjusted to attempt to mimic the in-cylinder pressure profile of operation using ULSD.

Utilizing a higher compression ratio in a Compression Ignition (CI) engine grants an obvious advantage of improved thermal efficiency. However, the resulting combustion temperatures promote dissociation ensuing in increased nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Unfortunately, due to the inherent properties of CI combustion, it is difficult to achieve simultaneous reduction of NOx and particulate matter (PM) through conventional combustion methods. Taking a different route though accomplishing Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) in CI engines will largely eliminate NOx and PM; however, combustion can result in a significant increase in hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions due to the low volatility of diesel fuel. Hence, this work attempts another avenue of Low Temperature Combustion (LTC) by employing Pre-mixed Charge Compression Ignition (PCI) combustion on a comparatively higher compression ratio (21.2) single cylinder CI engine.

Software packages including Argonne National Lab's Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model and the EPA's Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulation (MOVES) model are useful in analyzing the emission profiles of light-duty vehicles. In particular, GREET performs a detailed life cycle fuel energy and emissions analysis, while MOVES focuses on energy and emissions during vehicle operation. This study uses MOVES2010b in the creation of emission trends in order to predict future emissions regulations and the subsequent aftertreatment device areas of improvement required to meet these standards. A second objective was to create four time sheet tables in order to update the base vehicle operation emission profiles used in GREET. The simulation results depict the balance between nitrous oxide and hydrocarbon emissions, the dependency upon climate effects, and areas for potential improvement given recent engine design trends.

The growth of hydraulic fracking has resulted in a dramatic cost reduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), a low carbon fuel. CNG cannot be used as singular fuel in conventional Compression Ignition (CI) engines because of its high auto-ignition characteristics. However, CNG-assisted diesel combustion represents a means to shift the energy consumption of CI engines away from liquid fossil fuels. Calculation of the rate of heat release is vital for understanding and optimizing this mode of engine operation. A previously constructed three-zone equilibrium heat release model that is calibrated to engine exhaust emission measurements was augmented in order to allow for the addition of CNG in the engine intake. The model was also adapted to permit reuse of unburned CNG gas with other exhaust species via exhaust gas recirculation. This is because experiments demonstrated a potentially significant increase in methane emissions under high CNG flowrates.

Engine manufacturers are considering the implementation of thermodynamic cycles for Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) in order to increase Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) system thermal efficiency. For these secondary cycles, the literature illustrates the preference of Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC's) due to its simplicity and efficient recovery of the medium grade waste heat found in engine exhaust. This paper simulates the heat recovery capacity of eight dry fluids (butane, pentane, hexane, cyclopentane, benzene, toluene, R245fa, and R123) for an ORC based on the exhaust from a single-cylinder diesel engine-generator operating under five different loading conditions. The model, developed using REFPROP and the Matlab Optimization Toolbox, represents the physical components using isentropic pump and expander efficiencies, along with two-zone heat exchangers. All fluids present cycle efficiencies between 10-15%, with the heaviest hydrocarbons generating the largest amount of work.

Recently, ozone addition has come under scrutiny as a means of controlling ignition timing for Low Temperature (LTC) combustion, which defeats the NOx-PM tradeoff using a highly dilute, homogeneous mixture. This is because ozone decomposes into atomic oxygen and hydroxyl radicals that influence the early phases of the ignition delay process. In order to understand ozone's influence on combustion better, this work analyzes the effects of ozone-assisted combustion for a single-cylinder, direct-injection Compression Ignition engine via a mechanical pump-line-nozzle fuel system and an electronically controlled common-rail fuel injection system. Experimental outcomes indicate a relatively small influence of ozone for the mechanical injection system with a comparably decreased effect for the common rail system.