Four Stroke Engine Geometry for Stratified Charge Combustion

In four-stroke engines direct injection increases power and fuel economy, which is further improved by charge stratification, due to pumping loss reduction and better combustion efficiency at partial loads. Charge stratification can be obtained by different techniques and injector designs. In every case late injection is necessary for stratification, which however is impaired by fuel dilution and spreading in consequence of burnt gas expansion, leading to incomplete combustion at very light loads. A numerical study has been carried out modifying KIVA code to handle new piston shapes. An innovative combustion chamber that is split in two volumes and allows fuel confinement during combustion has been conceived. CFD comparison has been made between a conventional combustion chamber and the proposed new one in term of combustion efficiency. Combustion is enhanced by the new design and unburnt emissions are reduced.