Combined application of surface flow visualization and laser-Doppler anemometry to engine intake flows

Abstract

Flow visualization using oil streak techniques and laser-Doppler anemometry were carried out to provide detailed information on the flow through the intake valve of a research (model) engine head under steady flow conditions. The work was partially undertaken to develop the techniques as useful tools for engine research. On the other hand, variations of the flow field with valve lift and with valve location were of interest. In the present paper it is shown that a symmetric geometry does not necessarily result in symmetric flow patterns inside the cylinder; the tendency to asymmetry increases with increasing valve lift. These characteristics of the flow should be taken into account when flow computations are performed necessitating the use of three dimensional codes in the entire flow field, not in a symmetrical half-geometry.