Evaluation of the Effects of a New Combustion System and Catalyst on Engine Emissions

The present paper reports the results of an experimental investigation carried out on a four-stroke single- cylinder D.I. diesel engine (100 x 95mm bore x stroke) with the aim to evaluate the effects of a four-lobe square combustion chamber on the gaseous and particulate emissions.

Fluid-dynamic behaviour of the axisymmetric toroidal and four-lobe square chambers was investigated by Laser Doppler Anemometry.

Engine tests at 2000 and 3000 rpm for different start of combustion (SOC) and A/F ratio are reported.

Particulate, HC and NOx emission index measured under different operating conditions are given. In addition, the volatile content of the particulates produced from the two chambers at various engine operative conditions was measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Finally, the catalytic activity of a metal-oxide-based catalyst in the combustion of particulate was also evaluated by TGA.