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Laser-based in-cylinder diagnostics are well established in engine research. The requirement of large-scale optical accesses, however, makes the application expensive and time consuming. It furthermore limits the engine operation range to low loads and speeds. We introduce laser excitation and imaging optics with a minimal outer diameter of 10 mm (imaging optic) respectively 9 mm (excitation optics). The imaging optics allow the observation of a 30×30 mm2 field with a working distance of 35-42 mm. In order to increase the optical performance diffractive elements are integrated. These elements provide great flexibility for the excitation beam shaping and help to reduce aberrations in the imaging system with a light throughput comparable to imaging setups with standard large-scale UV optics at the same image magnification. We present this miniaturized diagnostic technique based on fuel tracers for measuring fuel density, equivalence ratio and temperature in IC engines.

The majority of hydrocarbon (HC) emissions in the FTP cycles are generated during cold starts when the catalyst is cold, and a large percentage of the injected fuel does not vaporize well. D Dduring this portion of the test, a wall film builds on the intake ports, fuel drips into the cylinder, and manifold pressure changes cause excursions in the air/fuel ratio (AFR). This paper presents the concept of heating fuel inside an injector to enhance vaporization in the intake manifold. Different injector parameters, such as heater temperature and injector tip geometry, were analyzed for different flow rates. The heat transfer inside the injector was investigated experimentally and numerically, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. The Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) of the fuel spray was measured and evaluated under different vacuum conditions using a Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA).

The electronic control of a automatic friction clutch represents a novel element for the vehicle drive train, the characteristic of which is freely determinable. It presupposes servo-actuation with a low energy requirement. In the case under review pneumatic negative pressure is applied to the actuating element with the desired function being established in the central control unit as a function of the signals of a few sensors by way of the actuation of two-stage digital solenoid valves. The flexible, automatic clutch function makes for a wide range of applications from series drive trains right through to hybrid drive systems.