Optimizing Internal Combustion Engine Performance Through Response Surface Methodology

Optimizing IC engine performance currently requires an exhaustive experimental search to determine the combination of internal components that maximizes torque or power. An alternate and more structured approach using Response Surface Methods will lead the experimenter to the optimum combination with the least number of trials. Using simulation software to evaluate IC engine configurations, this method improved the estimated power from 439 to 516 KW. Results of the study indicate that Response Surface Methods are a viable and robust method of converging to an IC engine configuration which achieves optimum performance.