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Further Analysis of Railplugs as a New Type of Ignitor
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English
Abstract
The results of continuing investigations of a new type of ignitor, the railplug, are reported. Previous studies have shown that railplugs can produce a high velocity jet that is driven both by electromagnetic and thermal forces and that the jet velocity is strongly affected by the railplug geometry and by the electronics characteristics of the follow-on circuit. The present research was intended to provide insights about both: 1) how to match the electronics characteristics to a given geometry and 2) how the geometry affects the jet velocity. It is found that faster current rise times result in higher plasma velocities but current pulses that are too short result in rapid deceleration of the plasma while it is still within the railplug. It is also found that a fundamental geometric parameter is the ratio of the inductance gradient to the volume trapped within the railplug: the larger L′/V, the faster the resulting combustion process. Further, the influences of the geometry, rail materials, and delivered energy on electrode durability are reported. Finally, preliminary engine results are presented which indicate the potential of railplugs for improving dilution tolerance.
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Authors
- Ronald D. Matthews - The University of Texas at Austin
- M. J. Hall - The University of Texas at Austin
- R. W. Faidley - The University of Texas at Austin
- J. P. Chiu - The University of Texas at Austin
- X. W. Zhao - The University of Texas at Austin
- I. Annezer - The University of Texas at Austin
- M. H. Koenig - The University of Texas at Austin
- J. F. Harber - The University of Texas at Austin
- M. H. Darden - The University of Texas at Austin
- W. F. Weldon - The University of Texas at Austin
- S. P. Nichols - The University of Texas at Austin
Citation
Matthews, R., Hall, M., Faidley, R., Chiu, J. et al., "Further Analysis of Railplugs as a New Type of Ignitor," SAE Technical Paper 922167, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/922167.Also In
References
- Hall, M.J. Tajima H. Matthews R.D. Koeroghlian M.M. Weldon W.F. Nichols S.P. 1991 “Initial studies of a new type of ignitor: the railplug” SAE Technical Paper 912319
- Hall, M.J. Ellzey J.L. Tajima H. Zhao X-W. 1992 “Plasma plume generation by a railpug ignitor and simulation by multidimensional modeling” Experiments in Fluids
- Faidley, R.W. Darden M.H. Weldon W.F. 1992 “The railplug: a new ignitor for internal combustion engines” Proceedings of the 6th Symposium on Electromagnetic Launch Technology Institute for Advanced Technologies, the University of Texas Austin
- Koenig, M.H. 1991 “An experimental investigation of the railplug ignition system in a lean burn engine” Dept. of Mech. Eng., the University of Texas Dec.
- Lancaster, D.R. Kreiger R.B. Lienesch J.H. 1975 “Measurement and analysis of engine pressure data” SAE Technical Paper 750026
- Rocco, V. 1985 “Dynamic TDC and thermodynamic loss angle measurement in a DI diesel engine” SAE Technical Paper 851546