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The V-Grooved Electrode Spark Plug
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English
Abstract
This paper reports on a spark plug electrode geometry which promotes spark discharge on the periphery of the electrodes. A notched center electrode promotes reduced heat loss from the flame kernel and results in a stronger kernel, with subsequent faster growth.
Some typical operating parameters affected by the approach were examined. Test data are presented which demonstrate the potential for improving ignition of lean air/fuel mixtures, cold weather performance, and fuel consumption, while maintaining durability characteristics comparable to conventional spark plugs.
The ignitability and durability tests were carried out on a stock V8 spark ignited gasoline engine in an engine dynamometer test cell. Varying the mass air/fuel ratio under idling conditions indicated that the test plug can idle significantly leaner than the baseline (conventional electrode) plugs while maintaining similar misfire characteristics. Durability testing consisted of 60 hours operation at rated power. The initial indication is that this approach is comparable to the baseline spark plugs in terms of sustaining required firing voltage and gap growth.
Cold performance and fuel consumption tests were carried out on a stock light duty van with a V8 spark ignited gasoline engine, running on a chassis dynamometer. The test plugs exhibited superior antifouling performance under simulated cold weather starting and stopping conditions. Fuel consumption tests indicated the potential for improved economy under idling conditions.
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Citation
Hood, S., "The V-Grooved Electrode Spark Plug," SAE Technical Paper 901535, 1990, https://doi.org/10.4271/901535.Also In
References
- Craver, R.J. Podiak, R.S. Miller, R.D. “Spark Plug Design Factors and Their Effect on Engine Performance” SAE Paper 700081 1970
- Burgett, R.R. Leptich, J.M. Sangwan, K.V.S. “Measuring the Effect of Spark Plug and Ignition System Design on Engine Performance” SAE Paper 720007 1972
- Pischinger, S. Heywood, J.B. “How Heat Losses to the Spark Plug Electrodes Affect Flame Kernel Development in an SI-Engine” SAE Paper 900021 1990
- Kimbara, Y. Noguchi, Y. Ishiquro, T. “Study on Spark Plug Carbon Fouling” SAE Paper 800832 1980
- Rado, W.G. Amey, J.E. Bates, B. Turner, A.H. “The Performance of a Multigap Spark Plug Designed for Automotive Applications” SAE Paper 760264 1976
- Nakamura, N. Kobayashi, T. Hanaoka, M. Takagi, N. “A New Platinum Tipped Spark Plug Extends the Lean Misfire Limit and Useful Life” SAE Paper 830480 1983
- Weirs, C.T. Niepoth, G.W. Hostetter, T.A. “Emission and Fuel Economy Measurement Improvements” SAE Paper 790233 1979