Gasoline-Ethanol Combustion Study in a Rapid Compression Machine

Antonio Carlos Scardini Villela; Guilherme Bastos Machado; Carlos Valois Maciel Braga; Julio Cesar Cuisano Egusquiza; Sergio Leal Braga

doi:10.4271/2012-36-0474

Combustion images are not simple to be obtained in conventional engines. Therefore, some experimental apparatus, such as a rapid compression machine (RCM), are useful to conduct this kind of study. Imaging techniques allow flame front propagation analysis, which is a very important parameter to understand engine performance, using different fuels and also to generate data to improve fuel modeling in engine simulation softwares.

A RCM was adapted to operate in a spark ignition engine mode. It was used to obtain cylinder pressure measurements of gasoline-ethanol combustion synchronized with high-speed photos of flame propagation. Contour plots of the flame front profiles, assumed to be spherical, were used in successive frames to calculate the propagation speeds toward the cylinder walls. So, it was possible to correlate images, pressure curves and flame speeds of gasoline-ethanol blends.

The results obtained with this device will be used in the future to make correlations with engine tests. The objective is to develop a new methodology that can lead to the engine tests, resources and cost reduction in fuel development processes.

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Gasoline-Ethanol Combustion Study in a Rapid Compression Machine 2012-36-0474

SAE MOBILUS