The application of advanced spark-ignition engine combustion systems for high-performance and a better environment

This is a thesis that brings together work conducted over a thirty year period concerning the research, development and knowledge management of high perfonnance and low exhaust emission engines. The thesis includes nine published and refereed works that are discussed and appended. Internal combustion engines translate the chemical energy of a fuel into mechanical work by burning the fuel with air in a combustion chamber. It is demonstrated that this process can be improved beneficially with respect to power output, fuel economy and exhaust emissions, by efficient cylinder filling and the generation of enhanced charge motion characteristics at the point of ignition. The advantages of multivalve engines, particularly with 5-valves per cylinder, and the methods of producing and measunng good air flow and beneficial amounts of tumble or barrel swirl, are described. Two patents and three novel research techniques for air flow and air motion are presented and discussed. The combustion developments carried out by the author for competition and high-perfonnance road cars are presented as examples of the application of the theory and research. [Continues.]