Characteristics of flame kernal radius in a spark ignition engine according to the electric spark ignition energy

To study flame propagation in a spark ignition engine, it must concentrate on the initial combustion stage, i.e., the formation and development of flame. Therefore, we must study the theoretical calculation of minimum flame kernel radius which affects the formation and development of flame kernel. To calculate the minimum flame kernel radius, we must know the thermal conductivity, flame temperature, laminar burning velocity, etc. To evaluate the accuracy of the minimum flame kernel radius based on the theory, authors compared with those from calculation and those from tests. According to the increase of number of sparks and spark intervals, the flame kernel radii become to increase and the expected lean limits are extended. It is considered that is due to the stability of combustion as increase of flame kernel size according as high ignition energy supplies in initial period and discharge energy period lengthens.

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