Technical Paper
Variable Runner Length Intake Manifold Design: An Interim Progress Report
2010-04-12
2010-01-1112
Manifold tuning has long been a critical facet of engine design and performance optimization. This paper details the design, analysis, and initial fabrication of a variable runner length intake manifold for a restricted 2003 Suzuki GSXR 600 engine. A series of analytical Helmholtz resonance calculations were first performed to assess the feasibility of such a system. A comprehensive CFD study was then performed using a combination of Ricardo WAVE® and Fluent® simulations. Custom software was developed to optimize restrictor geometry through fully automated CFD simulations whose results were investigated to determine the optimal transition for the intended flow characteristics. This resulting candidate geometry was then used with a variable intake design in a Ricardo WAVE® manifold dynamics model and was varied iteratively to yield an optimum final geometry.