Internal Combustion Engine
Prem Kumar
Assistant Professor
Department Of Mechanical Engineering
Government Engineering College Samastipur
Module-III (Combustion in SI and CI engines)
❑ Stages of combustion in SI engines
❑ Abnormal combustion and knocking in SI engines
❑ Factors affecting knocking, effects of knocking, control of knocking
❑ Combustion chambers for SI engines
❑ Stages of combustion in CI engines, detonation in C.I. engines, factors affecting detonation, controlling
detonation
❑ Combustion chamber for CI engine
Stages of combustion in SI engines
Three Stages of combustion in SI Engine
1. Flame Development Stage
2. Flame propagation Stage
3. Flame Termination Stage
Combustion in SI engines
Engine Knocking
Engine Performance Test: Purpose and Types
Factors Affecting Knocking
❑ Fuel Quality
❖ Explanation: Fuels with low octane ratings ignite more easily under compression, making them prone to premature
combustion (auto-ignition) before the spark plug fires. High-octane fuels have greater resistance to knocking because they
can withstand higher temperatures and pressures without igniting.
❖ Example: Regular gasoline (lower octane) is more likely to cause knocking in high-performance engines than premium
gasoline (higher octane).
❑ Compression Ratio
❖ Explanation: The compression ratio is the ratio of the cylinder's maximum to minimum volume. Higher compression
ratios increase the pressure and temperature of the air-fuel mixture, which can lead to knocking if the fuel auto-ignites
before the spark plug fires.
❖ Example: Sports cars often have high compression engines, requiring high-octane fuels to prevent knocking.
Factors Affecting Knocking
❑ Engine Temperature
❖ Explanation: Elevated engine temperatures increase the likelihood of knocking because the heat accelerates the chemical
reactions within the air-fuel mixture. Prolonged high temperatures can make the mixture ignite prematurely.
❖ Example: An engine running without adequate cooling may experience knocking due to overheated components.
❑ 4. Ignition Timing
❖ Explanation: Timing refers to when the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture relative to the position of the piston. If
ignition occurs too early (advanced timing), it can result in knocking as the combustion forces oppose the upward-moving
piston.
❖ Example: Advanced ignition timing can lead to higher efficiency but must be carefully controlled to avoid knocking.
❑ 5. Air-Fuel Mixture
❖ Explanation: A lean mixture (excess air) or a rich mixture (excess fuel) can lead to uneven combustion, which increases
the risk of knocking. Proper air-fuel mixing ensures smooth and controlled combustion.
❖ Example: Turbocharged engines require precise control of the air-fuel ratio to prevent knocking at high pressures.
Effects of Knocking
❑ Effects of Knocking
❖ Decreased Engine Performance
❖ Explanation: Knocking disrupts the smooth combustion process, reducing the engine's ability to generate
consistent power. It leads to reduced acceleration and efficiency.
❖ Outcome: Drivers may notice reduced responsiveness or power loss in the vehicle.
❑ Increased Wear and Tear on Engine Components
❖ Explanation: The uneven pressure caused by knocking creates vibrations and stress on engine parts like
pistons, bearings, and cylinder walls. Over time, this accelerates mechanical wear.
❖ Outcome: Premature component failure and costly repairs.
Effects of Knocking
❑ Potential Engine Damage
❖ Explanation: Severe knocking results in high-pressure spikes that can crack pistons,
damage valves, or deform cylinder heads. In extreme cases, the engine may seize.
❖ Outcome: Catastrophic engine failure.
❑ Reduced Fuel Efficiency and Increased Emissions
❖ Explanation: Knocking reduces combustion efficiency,
requiring more fuel to achieve the same output. Additionally, incomplete combustion
increases the production of harmful
emissions like unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
❖ Outcome: Increased fuel costs and environmental impact.
Methods to Control Knocking
1.Using High-Octane Fuels
❑Explanation: High-octane fuels resist auto-ignition at high pressures and temperatures. They
allow engines to operate efficiently at higher compression ratios and advanced timing without
knocking.
❑Example: Premium-grade fuels are often used in high-performance or turbocharged engines.
2. Optimizing Engine Design
❑Explanation: Adjustments to the engine design, such as lowering the compression ratio or
modifying cylinder shapes, can reduce the likelihood of knocking. Design innovations like
combustion chamber geometry also play a role in mitigating this issue.
❑Example: Modern engines use advanced designs to improve combustion stability.
Methods to Control Knocking
3. Improved Cooling Systems
❑ Explanation: Effective cooling systems help maintain optimal engine temperatures, reducing the chances of pre-ignition
caused by overheated components. This includes enhanced radiators, intercoolers, and oil coolers.
❑ Example: Turbocharged engines often use intercoolers to cool the compressed air before it enters the combustion
chamber.
4. Proper Ignition Timing
❑ Explanation: Adjusting the ignition timing ensures that the spark plug fires at the right moment, promoting controlled
combustion and minimizing knocking. Modern engines use sensors and electronic control units (ECUs) to optimize
timing dynamically.
❑ Example: Variable timing systems in modern cars adjust timing based on engine speed and load conditions.
5. Use of Additives
❑ Explanation: Octane boosters or other fuel additives can improve the fuel's resistance to knocking by increasing its
octane rating. These additives work by slowing down the combustion process, preventing premature ignition.
❑ Example: Ethanol is commonly blended with gasoline to increase its octane number and reduce knocking.
Stages of Combustion in CI Engines
.
Stages of Combustion in CI Engines
Stages of Combustion in CI Engines
The combustion process in a Compression Ignition (CI) engine, such as a diesel engine, occurs in distinct stages:
.1.Ignition Delay Period (ID)
1. The period between the start of fuel injection and the start of combustion.
2. During this time, the fuel undergoes atomization, vaporization, mixing with air, and pre-flame chemical reactions.
3. A longer delay increases the amount of fuel that gets premixed, leading to higher pressure spikes and potential knock.
2.Rapid Combustion Phase
1. Combustion of the premixed fuel-air mixture formed during the delay
period.
1. This phase is characterized by a rapid rise in pressure and temperature.
2. The heat release in this phase contributes to a significant portion of
the engine's power.
3.Controlled Combustion Phase
1. The combustion of the fuel injected after the rapid combustion phase.
2. It is governed by the rate of fuel injection and its mixing with air.
3. Smooth and gradual heat release occurs during this stage.
4.After-Burning Phase
1. Occurs when unburnt fuel from previous stages combusts with the
remaining oxygen.
2. The combustion rate is slower, and this phase lasts until the exhaust
stroke begins.
Detonation in CI Engines
Detonation in CI Engines
.
Detonation (commonly referred to as "knock" in CI engines) is an abnormal combustion phenomenon that occurs when the fuel-air
mixture combusts explosively rather than smoothly.
•Cause: Detonation in CI engines results from autoignition of the fuel-air mixture due to high pressure and temperature in certain
regions of the combustion chamber.
•Characteristics:
• Results in pressure oscillations and high peak pressures.
• Can cause engine noise, rough operation, and damage to the engine components.
Factors Affecting Detonation in CI Engines
Factors Affecting Detonation in CI Engines
1.Fuel Properties:
.
1. High cetane number fuels reduce detonation by shortening the ignition delay.
2. Lower cetane numbers increase the likelihood of detonation.
2.Ignition Delay Period:
1. A longer delay allows more fuel to accumulate before combustion, increasing detonation risks.
3.Air-Fuel Mixture Quality:
1. Poor atomization or improper mixing leads to uneven combustion.
4.Operating Conditions:
1. High load and high-speed increase cylinder pressure and temperature, making detonation more likely.
5.Engine Design:
1. Combustion chamber geometry affects air-fuel mixing and flame propagation.
Controlling Detonation in CI Engines
Controlling Detonation in CI Engines
. 1.Using High-Cetane Fuels:
1. Fuels with high cetane numbers ignite quickly, minimizing the delay period.
2.Optimized Injection Timing:
1. Retarding the injection timing reduces pressure spikes and detonation.
3.Improved Combustion Chamber Design:
1. Designs that enhance turbulence and mixing can reduce detonation risks.
4.Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR):
1. Lowering the oxygen concentration and peak combustion temperatures helps suppress detonation.
5.Better Fuel Atomization:
1. Using injectors that produce finer fuel sprays ensures better air-fuel mixing.
Combustion Chambers for SI and CI Engines
.
Combustion Chambers for SI and CI Engines
.
Combustion Chambers for SI and CI Engines
.
Combustion Chambers for CI Engines
Combustion Chambers for CI Engines
. 1.Characteristics:
1. Designed to create optimal conditions for air-fuel mixing and combustion.
2. Operate with heterogeneous mixtures and rely on compression heat for ignition.
2.Types:
1. Direct Injection (DI):
1. Fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber.
2. High thermal efficiency and better performance.
2. Indirect Injection (IDI):
1. Fuel is injected into a pre-chamber, where partial combustion occurs before spreading to the main chamber.
2. Offers quieter operation and smoother combustion but with lower efficiency.
3.Design Goals:
1. Minimize ignition delay.
2. Reduce detonation risks.
3. Enhance fuel-air mixing.
Combustion Chambers for CI Engines
.
Combustion Chambers for CI Engines
.
Combustion Chambers for CI Engines
.
Combustion Chambers for CI Engines
