A parametric inlet port design tool for multi-valve diesel engines

A fully-parametric, multi-valve inlet port design tool has been developed using statistical design-of-experiments (DoE) techniques. A modular approach was adopted so that a complete port layout could be constructed using flexible, interchangeable, generic models. Additional cylinder head features and external packaging requirements were considered throughout, as were production requirements. Reliable experimental methods were used to quantify the influence of key design parameters. A predictive, knowledge-based model was developed from the DoE results and was used to predict optimum configurations for a range of scenarios. The models were successfully validated by comparing predicted results with new test data. An overview of the tasks undertaken in developing the model is presented, including a discussion of the major findings and conclusions. An investigation using the knowledge-based model is also presented to demonstrate the practical use of the system.