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A combined one-dimensional, multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamic modelling technique has been developed for analysis of unsteady gas dynamic flow through automotive mufflers. The technique facilitates assessment of complex designs in terms of back-pressure and noise attenuation. The methodology has been validated on a number of common exhaust muffler arrangements over a wide range of test conditions. Comparison between measured and simulated data has been conducted on a Single-Pulse (SP) rig for detailed unsteady gas dynamic analysis and a Rotary-Valve (RV) rig in conjunction with an anechoic chamber for noise attenuation analysis. Results obtained on both experimental arrangements exhibit excellent gas dynamic and acoustic correlation. The technique should allow optimisation of a wide variety of potential muffler designs prior to prototype manufacture.

One-dimensional (1-D) unsteady gas dynamic models of a number of common muffler (or silencer) elements have been incorporated into a1-D simulation code to predict the impact of the muffler on the gas dynamics within the overall system and the radiated Sound Pressure Level (SPL) noise spectrum in free-space. Correlation with measured data has been achieved using a Single-Pulse rig for detailed unsteady gas dynamic analysis and a Rotary-Valve rig in conjunction with an anechoic chamber for noise spectra analysis. The results obtained show good agreement both gas dynamically and acoustically. The incorporation of these models into a full 1-D engine simulation code should facilitate the rapid assessment of various muffler designs prior to prototype manufacture and testing.

This paper reports on the first phase of an experimental evaluation of four different methods for the mathematical modelling of unsteady gas flow in a pipe system containing an area discontinuity. The four methods under investigation are the non-homentropic method of characteristics, the two-step Lax-Wendroff method with flux corrected transport, the Harten-Lax-Leer upstream difference method and the GPB finite system method. The experimentation is conducted using the QUB SP (single-pulse) pressure wave generator consisting of a cylinder, connected via a sliding valve to a long duct. The pressure waves it creates closely mimic those to be found in i.c. engines. The initial cylinder pressure may be set to simulate either an induction or an exhaust process. Various ducts are attached to the pressure wave generator to simulate both sudden and gradual area changes. Each duct is sufficiently long as to permit pressure wave observation without superposition effects.

This paper reports on the experimental evaluation of certain aspects of the mathematical modelling by the GPB method of pressure wave propagation through finite systems, of unsteady gas flow in engine ducting. The aspects under examination are the propagation of pressure waves through a pipe which contains gases of dissimilar properties. In this case the gases are carbon dioxide and air. The experimentation is conducted using the QUB SP (single pulse) pressure wave generator consisting of a cylinder, connected via a sliding valve to a long duct. The pressure waves it creates closely mimic those to be found in i.e. engines. The initial cylinder pressure may be set to simulate either an induction or an exhaust process, but the experiments reported here are of compression waves only. The duct attached to the pressure wave generator is a straight pipe. The cylinder and part of the pipe are filled with carbon dioxide and air.

This paper reports on the first phase of an experimental evaluation of five different methods for the mathematical modelling of unsteady gas flow in engine ducting. The five methods under investigation are the homentropic method of characteristics, the non-homentropic method of characteristics, the two-step Lax-Wendroff method with flux corrected transport, the Harten-Lax-Leer upstream difference method and the Blair method of pressure wave propagation through finite spaces. A single cycle pressure wave generator consisting of a cylinder, connected via a sliding valve to a long duct, has been designed and built. The pressure waves it creates closely mimic those to be found in i.e. engines. The cylinder and the ducts of the device can be filled with any gas and at elevated temperatures. A perfect seal exists between the cylinder and the valve thus enabling mass- flow correlation. The initial cylinder pressure may be set to simulate an induction or an exhaust process.

The emissions produced from a simple carburetted crankcase scavenged two-stroke cycle engine primarily arise due to losses of fresh charge from the exhaust port during the scavenging process. These losses lead to inferior fuel consumption and a negative impact on the environment. Pressure on exhaust emissions and fuel consumption has reduced the number of applications of the two-stroke cycle engine over the years, however the attributes of simplicity, high power density and potential low manufacturing costs have ensured its continuing use for mopeds and motorcycles, small outboard engines and small utility engines. Even these last bastions of the simple two-stroke engine are being challenged by the four stroke alternative as emissions legislation becomes tighter and is newly formulated for many categories of engines. A simple solution is described which reduces short circuit and scavenge losses in a cost effective way.

In two previous papers to this Society (1, 2)* an ‘alternative’ method was presented for the prediction of the unsteady gas flow behaviour through a reciprocating internal combustion engine. The computational procedures led further to the prediction of the overall performance characteristics of the power unit, be it operating on a two- or a four-stroke cycle. Correlation with measurements was given to illustrate its effectiveness and accuracy. In the ducts of such engines there are inevitably sectional changes of area which are either gradual or sudden. A tapered pipe is typical of a gradual area change whereas a throttle or a turbocharger nozzle represents a sudden area change. In those previous papers it was indicated that a fuller explanation, of the theoretical procedures required to predict accurately the unsteady gas flow in such duct sections would be given in a later paper to this Society; this is that necessary publication.

Previous publications from The Queen's University of Belfast have described the unsteady gas flow through a naturally aspirated two-cycle engine and the most recent of these have detailed the scavenge process, the combustion model and muffler design. It is thus now possible to predict the unsteady gas flow behaviour through and the performance and noise characteristics in this type of engine with a good degree of accuracy. This paper describes a mathematical model which has been formulated to simulate the action of the two-cycle engine fitted with a reed valve due to the unsteady gas dynamic behaviour in the inlet tract and makes comparisons with measurements. A complete simulation on the computer of a two-cycle engine fitted with a reed intake valve is thus now possible.

The theoretical modelling of the scavenge process for a naturally aspirated two-cycle engine is described and employed in conjunction with an unsteady gas dynamic analysis of flow in the engine ducting. Programmed for a digital computer, the results of this theoretical study are shown in relation to a 250 cm3 engine with values of predicted charging efficiency, scavenging efficiency, and delivery ratio given as a function of engine speed. These are compared with measured values of scavenging efficiency and the usual performance characteristics of power, mean effective pressure, delivery ratio, and specific fuel consumption. Also compared are the measured and predicted pressure diagrams taken in the cylinder, the crankcase, and the exhaust and inlet ducts. The design of a somewhat unique cylinder gas sampling valve of the mechanical type is described and its usage discussed both theoretically and practically.

Previous papers published by the author have described unsteady gas flow through a naturally aspirated two-cycle engine and the most recent of these publications details a theoretical modelling of the gas exchange or scavenge process for the cylinder of this type of power unit. This results in the ability to predict the trapped charge state, mass, and purity characteristics. With such information it becomes sensible to apply a closed cycle thermodynamic analysis to it and to further predict directly power, torque, and fuel consumption characteristics. This paper describes such a simple closed cycle analysis and compares the theoretical results of power, mean effective pressure, specific fuel consumption, and cylinder pressure diagrams with corresponding measured data from two engines.

The performance characteristics of naturally aspirated 4-stroke cycle engines are influenced by the through-flow or exchange of fresh charge for exhaust gas during the valve overlap period. During this gas exchange period the influence of unsteady wave effects in both inlet and exhaust systems are most important. Pressure-time histories were measured at various tract locations for four inlet/exhaust configurations to demonstrate the effects of wave action on performance. The good correlation shown between measured and predicted pressure-time histories suggested that the theoretical technique may be used in further design analyses with a high degree of confidence.

From a theoretical analysis of the unsteady efflux from the open end of a simulated reciprocating internal combustion engine exhaust system a prediction of overall and one-third octave sound pressure levels in space, due to this gas flow, is produced. The predictions are compared with measured levels and show a high degree of correlation.

The performance characteristics of a naturally aspirated two-cycle engine can be predicted with an unsteady gas dynamics analysis of flow through the crankcase and cylinder; such an analysis provides values of volumetric efficiency and trapping pressure at any given engine speed. The predictions of the volumetric efficiency and trapping pressure are compared with experimental values from a high-specific-output engine and further amplified with theoretical/experimental comparisons of pressure-time histories taken in the exhaust, transfer, and inlet systems at several engine speeds. The theoretical derivation of unsteady gas dynamic cylinder to pipe boundary conditions is presented so that they become both economical of computer time and mathematically stable.

A computer program has been developed which predicts the sound pressure level and the frequency spectrum produced by simple engine exhaust systems. The program utilizes unsteady flow gas dynamic theory to predict the pressure-time history in the exhaust system and the velocity-time history at the open end of the system. Acoustic theory is then used to predict the sound pressure levels and frequency spectrum in free space. The work was carried out on a twin-cylinder four-cycle engine, but the theory can be applied to any internal combustion engine.

Modern turbocharged diesel engines employ exhaust driven turboblowers operating at high speeds up to 100,000 rpm. The performance assessment of such units demands precise and controllable power absorption and torque measurements at these very high rotational speeds. Additionally the parameters, speed, mass flow, static and dynamic pressures and temperatures must be measured. The turbine power absorption and torque measutement present unique problems. The remaining parameters may present some difficulties but generally the problems are not so great. The design of a high speed dynamometer and the development problems encountered are described. The dynamometer has been used to establihs the performance characteristics of a C. A. V. 01 turbocharger and these are reported.