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Flow variations from one cycle to the next significantly influence the mixture formation and combustion processes in engines. Therefore, it is important to understand the fluid motion and its cycle-to-cycle variations (CCVs) inside the engine cylinder. Researchers have generally investigated the cycle-to-cycle flow variations in moderate- to large-sized engines. In the present work, we have performed the flow measurement and analysis in a small spark-ignition engine. Experiments are conducted in an optically accessible, single-cylinder, port-fuel-injection engine with displacement volume of 110 cm3 at different throttle openings (i.e. 50% and WOT) using particle image velocimetry. Images are captured at different crank angle positions during both intake and compression strokes over a tumble measurement plane, bisecting the intake and exhaust valves and passing through the cylinder axis.

Cycle-to-cycle flow variations significantly influence the combustion variations from one cycle to the next, particularly at low operating loads in small spark-ignition engines. Hence in the present work, cycle-to-cycle flow variations are analyzed at low throttle opening of 25% in a small spark-ignition engine using particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. Experiments are conducted in an optically accessible single-cylinder, port-fuel-injection engine (volume: 110 cm3) at 1200 rpm engine speed. Images are captured at different crank angle positions during both intake and compression strokes over a tumble measurement plane bisecting the intake and exhaust valves, and processed using cross-correlation method to obtain the instantaneous velocity fields considering 200 image pairs at each crank angle position considered.