The Performance of a Multigap Spark Plug Designed for Automotive Applications 760264
The electrical principle of operation, the geometrical and electrical circuit constraints on the design of, and the electrical and in-engine performance of a multigap spark plug developed for automotive applications are described.
The electrical principle of operation is based on successively breaking down an array of spark gaps through the use of a resistive ladder network.
The measurements evaluating the electrical performance of various multigap designs indicate that these plugs can deliver up to twice the energy of a single gap plug to the arcs, using the same ignition system. The increased amount of energy is also delivered in a shorter time than for single gap plugs.
The measurements evaluating the in-engine performance of these plugs further indicate that improvements of up to 6% in fuel economy for a simulated CVS test run, the extension of the lean misfire limit by several A/F ratio numbers under various engine operating conditions, and improvements in driveability can be achieved compared to the performance of standard plugs under the same operating conditions.
Citation: Rado, W., Amey, J., Bates, B., and Turner, A., "The Performance of a Multigap Spark Plug Designed for Automotive Applications," SAE Technical Paper 760264, 1976, https://doi.org/10.4271/760264. Download Citation
Author(s):
W. G. Rado, J. E. Amey, B. Bates, A. H. Turner
Affiliated:
Ford Motor Co.
Pages: 14
Event:
1976 Automotive Engineering Congress and Exposition
ISSN:
0148-7191
e-ISSN:
2688-3627
Also in:
100 Years of Engine Developments-PT-115
Related Topics:
Ignition systems
Fuel economy
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