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The spatial variation of instantaneous heat transfer in a highly rated DI diesel engine (130 mm bore, 150 mm stroke) has been investigated. Measurements have been made at key locations within the combustion chamber (valve bridge, above the piston bowl lip and bore edge) at test conditions covering the engine speed and load range. Total and radiative heat flux probes have been designed and developed to enable both the convective and radiative heat transfer components to be quantified. Transient calibration techniques have also been developed to establish the dynamic characteristics of the heat flux probes. This has removed the uncertainty normally associated with surface thermocouple diffusivity values. Considerable spatial variations in both peak and mean heat transfer have been found. The measured spatial and temporal variation in heat flux have been compared with established heat transfer models.

Ricardo have developed a systematic approach for the design of transient engine control strategies using advanced control techniques. The methodology was initially applied to the design of a testbed speed and torque controller. This enabled complex transient tests to be carried out with equipment normally used for steady-state testing. The same techniques were applied to the design of a controller for a variable geometry turbocharger aimed at vehicle applications. The influence of different control strategies on emissions and fuel economy was evaluated on a heavy-duty diesel engine over a section of the US FTP cycle. Particulate reductions of up to 34% were achieved without increasing NOx.