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In order to improve the ignition stability and reduce the cycle-to-cycle variation, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of the flame kernel development and the local quenching effect during the spark ignition process. In this study, experiments for the spark ignition process in a high-speed lean gasoline-air mixture turbulent flow field were conducted. OH* chemiluminescence measurement and focusing Schlieren photography was applied to observe the development of flame kernel and discharge channel behaviors simultaneously. Results indicated that flame kernel fragments, generated by the restrike and short- circuit of discharge channels, quenched due to the local turbulence, which led to slow flame propagation or misfire. In that cases, the initial flame kernels showed stretched behaviors, along with high curvatures.

In order to investigate the effects of a DC electric field and its polarity on the knock intensity in a spark-ignition engine, an experimental study was carried out with a rapid compression machine. To get a good understanding of the effect of an electric field on knocking combustion, the high-speed direct photographs were taken. The ionization current measurements were also carried out using the electrode as an ionization probe The major findings of present investigation of the effects of DC electric fields on the knocking combustion process in a spark-ignition engine could be summarized as follows: It was clearly indicated that the knock intensity decreases with the increase of the electric field regardless its polarity. The knock intensity was strongly dependent upon the burned mass fraction at the onset of the end-gas autoignition, and decreased as the burned mass fraction increased.

A three dimensional numerical analysis is made of in-cylinder process in a typical four-cycle reciprocating spark ignition engine with an off-center intake valve. The conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy are solved on the basis of the finite volume method. The ordinary two-equation model is employed as the turbulence model. Fuel is injected into the intake port, and fuel vapor, fuel droplets and air flow into the cylinder through the valve clearance during the intake stroke. As the inlet boundary condition, the inflow velocity distribution, mass fractions of fuel vapor and droplets are given around the intake valve periphery. For simplicity, it is assumed that fuel droplets move with the gas and have the rates of evaporation which are estimated by the classical quasi-steady theory of a single droplet evaporation. Calculation is made from TDC of intake stroke to TDC of compression stroke at every 10 degrees crank angle.