Ignition Delay in Diesel Engines

The ignition delay in diesel combustion has been studied in a turbulent chamber engine. The criteria used to define the end of this period are the pressure rise and illumination due to combustion. The pressure rise delay is generally shorter and more reproducible than the illumination delay. The effect of the following factors on the ignition delay were studied: cylinder pressure, fuel/air ratio, fuel injection pressure, cooling water temperature, and engine speed. Data concerning the effect of cylinder pressure on the pressure rise delay period, at constant air temperature, were correlated and compared with previous experimental results.

The analysis indicated that the pressure rise delay is affected by physical and chemical factors as well as thermodynamic parameters that control the several forms of energy during the delay period.