Instantaneous in-Cylinder Volume Considering Deformation and Clearance due to Lubricating Film in Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines

A new methodology for predicting the real instantaneous in-cylinder volume in the combustion chamber of a reciprocating internal combustion engine is implemented. The mathematical model developed as part of this methodology, takes into consideration the deformations due to pressure and inertial forces, via a deformation constant adjusted through ANSYS((R)), using a high-precision CAD model of a SOKAN SK-MDF300 engine. The deformation constant was obtained from the CAD model using the computational tool ANSYS((R)) and the pressure data was obtained from the engine running at three regimes: 1500, 2500, and 3500 rpm. The results were compared with previous models reported in the literature, showing that the deformation constant obtained has a smaller variation among cycles, which leads to a more precise value of the mechanical deformations. Furthermore, to have a more accurate model of the instantaneous volume variation, a factor taking into consideration the lubricant film behavior is introduced to calculate volumetric variation due to geometrical clearances. The influence of the introduced volumetric variation was evaluated through a process of combustion diagnosis, evidencing the improvement in the predictive capacity of thermodynamic modeling and, therefore, the correct prediction of heat release rate.