Water Analog Model of IC Engine
Water Analog Model of IC Engine
| The Water Analog Test Engine (a donation by the
Ford Motor Company) is a reciprocating model of an internal combustion
four-stroke engine with strongly simplified geometry. The model has only
one valve which is stationary and seated axisymmetrically in the engine
cylinder. Water is used as the flowing medium so that experiments can be
performed at 17 times lower velocities compared to an air-breathing engine
when establishing Reynolds number equality. Using Molecular Tagging Velocimetry
(MTV), the flow field
during induction of the water analog model has been mapped at different
crank angles. Flow visualization has been performed using fluorescent particles
in the flow.
The cylinder of our model engine, the cylinder head, as well as the piston head are made of quartz in order to allow for complete optical access to the water analog engine. The material for the piston rings is Rulon. This plastic was found to be a good sealant while allowing the piston to move in smooth motions. The maximum engine speed is at about 30 RPM with the quartz cylinder in place. Maximum intake speeds are on the order of 1 m/s at the valve. |
| valve diameter | 32 mm |
| valve seating angle | 450 |
| cylinder bore | 82 mm |
| stroke | 86 mm |
