Knock Limitations of Methane-Air Mixtures in a Turbocharged Dual-Fuel Engine

Knock limitations are investigated using natural gas, with diesel pilot ignition, as a fuel for the 3406 DI-TA Caterpillar diesel engine. Thermodynamic properties at TDC are generated by computer and compared with experimental results. Exhaust emissions are analyzed. A comparison is made of dual-fuel operation relative to diesel. Observations are made to determine the onset of knock. The onset of knock is characterized as a function of engine speed, load, inlet manifold temperature, and air-fuel ratio (A/F). The conditions at the onset of knock are determined using cylinder pressure data. The most efficient operating range is determined with knock avoidance as a prime parameter.