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Improved understanding of future gasoline engine combustion systems, namely to:
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Define an understanding of the major parameters affecting cyclic variability
- Develop
methodology enabling characterisation of the variability
- Define the major parameters
enabling variability control strategy development and determine this strategy
- Develop
cyclic variability modelling techniques for integration into Powertrain simulation
toolbox,
by means of:
- Leeds – Fundamentals [fundamentals of ignition and flame growth]
- Loughborough – Flows [intake flows and in-cylinder motion generation]
- UCL – Sprays
[injector spray and mixture preparation]
- Oxford – Combustion Diagnostics [in-cylinder
pressure through to laser diagnostics]. Mathematical simulation will be in parallel
with experimentation for validation of data and improvement of sub-models
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Collaboration between the four universities (Leeds, Loughborough, Oxford and UCL)
with co-ordination by Jaguar and additional support from Shell, will lead to a `Virtual
Centre of Excellence' that exploits the complementary strengths of the four universities
in gasoline engine combustion. The same hardware will be used at each institution
so as to assure maximum value from all data -in the past data has been of less use
since the measurements have been obtained using different engine hardware and fuels.
This project is intended to be part of a much longer term project that will embrace
novel gasoline combustion technologies, but initially the project will focus on gasoline
direct injection engines and the factors that determine the cycle by-cycle variations
in combustion This understanding will facilitate wider operating envelopes for stratified
charge combustion systems, so as to simultaneously reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
The influencing mechanisms behind cycle-by-cycle variations, and effective methods
for their control have not yet been satisfactorily defined, but this is essential
if future engine technologies are to meet their full potential. Furthermore, it is
believed that the trend for the next generation of engine technology will be towards
an on-board artificial intelligence controlled system, which will be based on cycle-by-cycle
engine operation. Developing an understanding and control of the cyclic variability
is an enabling step in this development process and can only be achieved by a specifically
focused and structured programme. Jaguar and Shell are providing £320,000 in cash
support The first call on this is for topping-up EPSRC studentships, with the balance
being used for offsetting some of the equipment costs.
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