Effect of Compression and Air Fuel Ratio on the Flame Kernel Development

Cycle to cycle variations is always a cause for concern in port injected SI engines. Earlier studies in this field suggest that cycle by cycle variations in the position and growth rate of flame kernel has a significant role in the cycle by cycle variations in the pressure curves. Researchers are always interested in understanding the fluid flow and combustion characteristics in a running engine to study these variations in detail. Due to its simplicity in adaptation, fiber optic spark plug enables the researchers to study the effects of charge motion on the developing flame kernel at relatively less cost and effort. In this paper 8 channel fiber optic spark plug was used to measure and understand the flame kernel development. Flush mounted pressure transducer is also installed to measure in cylinder pressure data. This paper investigated the influence of compression ratio and air fuel ratio variation on the flame kernel development which can further be used for optimizing the performance and emission of the engine.