Cyclic Compression, Combustion and Expansion of a Fuel and Air Mixture in a Cylinder Containing a Catalyst

摘要

An experimental investigation into the utilization of catalytic ignition and oxidation of a hydrocarbon fuel and air mixture in a four stroke engine is presented. The effects of the method of aspiration, the cylinderhead design, the catalyst quality and the design of the catalyst mounting structure upon the performance of the engine with specific attention to cylinder pressure diagrams are ellucidated. High speed color photography was employed to provide a recording of the visual observations of the combustion phenomenon present in the cylinder. Measurements of the levels of emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, low hydrocarbons and nitric oxide by the infra-red method were made. Particularly interest was centered upon the ability of the engine to operate using very lean air fuel ratios precluded by spark ignition, but very advantageous from the viewpoint of emission levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitric oxide.