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Previous experiments using an air-assisted spray in a two-stroke direct-injected engine demonstrated a significant improvement in combustion stability at part-load conditions when a wide injection spray was used. It was hypothesized that the decrease in variability was due to the spray following the combustion chamber wall, making it less affected by variations in the in-cylinder gas flows. For this study, experiments were conducted to investigate engine spray combustion for cases where engine performance was not dominated by cyclic variation. Combustion and emission performance data was collected for a wide range of injection timings at several speed/load conditions. Experimental data for combustion shows that combustion stability is relatively unaffected by injection timing changes over a 40 to 100 degree window, and tolerant to spark gap projections over a range of 0.7 to 5.2 mm, depending on operating conditions.

To help understand the fundamental processes involved in direct injection, a research project was conducted using a single-cylinder, two-stroke research engine at a mid-speed, boat load operating condition. A 24 statistical factorial experimental design was applied. Of the factors tested at this operating condition, spray type was the most important factor affecting hydrocarbon emissions, followed by in-cylinder flow-related factors. Injection spray was also most important for nitrogen oxide emissions, carbon monoxide emissions, and efficiency. The dominant mechanism influencing the results was misfire, with other mechanisms present for specific responses.

This paper outlines some developments in engine modelling techniques and details the results of an extensive validation exercise. This validation was conducted in two distinct parts: firstly, on a specially constructed rig, and, secondly, using engine test results. The test rig described was constructed in such a way as to rigourously test the theories employed. Comparisons were made between measured and predicted pressure traces and air mass flow. The predicted results are shown to be in good agreement with all measurements recorded. The performance of a complete engine simulation is also described and compared with actual dynamometer test results. The accuracy of this model is clearly demonstrated for all engine performance parameters.