The Effects of Some Chemical Factors on Combustion Processes in Diesel Engines

Abstract

The combustion processes in a direct-injection single-cylinder diesel engine are examined in relation to the findings of an experimental programme employing the following chemically biased procedures: (1) direct introduction to the engine air of various concentrations of pure fuel fractions in addition to light distillate diesel fuel vapour; (2) the products of controlled partial oxidation (conducted externally to the engine) of a portion of the various fuels in (1); and (3) the aspiration of some of the more active stable intermediate products identified, following analysis by gas chromatography, in the partial oxidation products of (2). It is suggested that the introduction of active intermediates at the right point in the cycle can be effective in producing smoother combustion, coupled with a reduction in exhaust smoke. Moreover, design modifications may be effected to produce the desired results efficiently.