Kacper Kaczmarczyk
Degree: BEng Motorcycle Engineering
Project title: Development of Polytropic Index Model & Turbulent Jet Ignition Combustion System for Commercial Internal Combustion Engine
Project Overview
The main purpose of the project was to further advance author’s understanding of ICEs. Therefore, project was split into two topics: polytropic index model and turbulent jet ignition (TJI) development, which focused on classical 0D and modern 3D modelling techniques respectively. Novel polytropic index model was developed with an aim of discovering the real polytropic index values during combustion. The model was based on well understood 0D techniques, which included purpose-built heat transfer model.
The polytropic index profile correlated very well with differentiated standard polytropic index, though, the effect of real polytropic index on simulated pressure was found to be negligible compared to assumed expansion index. In order to carryout 3D modelling, all relevant engine components were scanned/ measured, from which very accurate CAD model was created. Due to lack of equipment the work in this topic was limited. Nevertheless, author has carried out several experiments and validation work.
Initially, many different ICE processes were modelled, such as fuel spray and scavenging/ flow during exhaust and intake strokes. However, it was decided to focus purely on the combustion and expansion processes due to lack of computational resources. 2 targets and 3 limitations were set to ensure the industrial applicability of the project. Firstly, standard Ford Fox engine was modelled, the cylinder averaged results were more than satisfactory. Therefore, 8 different TJI setups were created based on up most current research, which were also modelled, compared and analysed in order to find most optimal TJI setup. The final simulation of the optimised TJI setup was compared against standard engine and the TJI was found to achieve ~10% higher thermal efficiency, which translated to 24.1% improvement in fuel consumption, as well as an ability to produce practically zero NOx if the developed fuelling/ EGR strategy was used, all while retaining the original engine power.
Why did you choose this course?
I have a passion for motorcycles and engines
Why did you choose to attend UWTSD?
What are your future plans?
I have secured a scholarship to carry on perusing my passion of engines by doing PhD in Advanced Propulsion Systems at University of Bath.