Streamline Visualisation by Laser Sheet Imaging - A Useful Complementary Optimisation Tool for Intake Manifold Design

The paper describes the application of laser sheet flow visualisation with numerical image analysis as a useful complementary tool to numerical simulation techniques for the optimisation of fluid dynamics within SI-engine in-take systems.

The lay-out of the laser sheet visualisation system and the applied numerical image analysis are discussed in detail.

Two applicative examples are given, one of smoke induced visualisation of the internal gas flow of an intake manifold, the other of natural visualisation of fuel injector wall film deposit in the intake runner.

Finally is concluded that the addition of visualisation techniques to the development strategy allows a time gain, because it contributes to a rapid understanding of complex flow phenomena.