86496 - Internal Combustion Engines

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the operating principles, combustion processes, modeling approaches, and control strategies of modern Spark-Ignition (SI) and Compression-Ignition (CI) internal combustion engines. They will also understand the influence of advanced technologies, boosting systems, and sustainable fuels on engine performance, efficiency, and emissions.

Applying knowledge and understanding

Students will be able to:

• analyze the operation and performance of modern internal combustion engines;
• apply engineering principles to evaluate combustion processes, air-path management, fuel injection systems, and boosting technologies;
• interpret engine models and control strategies for torque generation, ignition timing, knock detection, and closed-loop combustion control;
• assess the impact of design choices on engine efficiency, emissions, and overall performance.

Making judgements

Students will be able to critically evaluate different engine technologies, combustion strategies, and control solutions by interpreting theoretical concepts and experimental data. They will develop the ability to identify the most appropriate engineering solutions while considering performance, efficiency, emissions, and sustainability requirements.

Communication skills

Students will be able to communicate technical concepts related to internal combustion engines using appropriate scientific terminology. They will be able to discuss and justify engineering analyses, modeling approaches, and control strategies in a clear and rigorous manner.

Learning skills

Students will develop the ability to independently deepen their knowledge of advanced internal combustion engine technologies by consulting technical documentation and scientific literature. These skills will support lifelong learning and further specialization in powertrain engineering and engine control.

Course contents

Fundamentals of Internal Combustion Engines

• Review of the thermodynamic cycles of internal combustion engines: Spark-Ignition (SI) and Compression-Ignition (CI) engines;
• Fundamental parameters for engine performance evaluation;
• Intake and exhaust systems.

(0.5 ECTS, 5 hours)

Spark-Ignition (SI) Engine Combustion

• Combustion in SI engines;
• Effects of Variable Valve Timing (VVT) systems;
• SI engine performance and emissions control;
• Knock and fuel properties, misfire, and pre-ignition.

(1 ECTS, 10 hours)

Compression-Ignition (CI) Engine Combustion

• Combustion in CI engines.

(0.5 ECTS, 5 hours)

CI Engines and Sustainable Fuels

• CI engine performance and emissions control;
• Diesel fuel injection systems and injection pattern design in Common Rail MultiJet systems;
• Sustainable fuels: biofuels, e-fuels, and hydrogen.

(0.5 ECTS, 5 hours)

Boosting Systems

• Turbocharging and supercharging technologies.

(0.5 ECTS, 5 hours)

Engine Modeling and Control

• Fundamentals of engine function modeling (fuel injection systems and air-path control);
• Torque modeling and ignition timing control.

(2 ECTS, 20 hours)

Knock Detection

• Knock metrics and detection techniques.

(0.5 ECTS, 5 hours)

Closed-Loop Combustion Control

• Fundamentals of closed-loop combustion control.

(0.5 ECTS, 5 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

• Notes taken by the students and lecture material provided by the professor;

• G. Ferrari, "Motori a Combustione Interna", Esculapio;

• J.B. Heywood, "Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals", McGraw Hill;

Teaching methods

Teaching involves theoretical frontal lessons carried out with the help of multimedia systems.

The teaching material will be available at the end of each lesson through the VirtuaLe (https://virtuale.unibo.it/) platform.

Assessment methods

The final assessment consists of an oral examination, held during the official examination sessions.

During the examination, students are required to answer three questions covering the main topics of the course. The oral examination is designed to assess the achievement of the intended learning outcomes, with particular reference to the Dublin Descriptors.

The assessment evaluates the student's ability to:

• demonstrate a sound understanding of the operating principles, combustion processes, modeling approaches, and control strategies of modern internal combustion engines (Knowledge and Understanding);
• apply engineering concepts to analyze engine performance, combustion behavior, boosting technologies, fuel injection systems, and control solutions (Applying Knowledge and Understanding);
• critically discuss alternative technological solutions and justify engineering choices with reference to efficiency, emissions, and sustainability (Making Judgements);
• communicate technical concepts accurately using appropriate engineering terminology (Communication Skills).

The final mark is based on the following evaluation criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of the course topics: 25%
• Ability to integrate and apply engineering concepts: 25%
• Critical analysis and reasoning: 20%
• Use of appropriate technical terminology and communication skills: 15%
• Depth and completeness of the discussion: 15%

The examination is graded on a 30-point scale. A mark of 18/30 is the minimum passing grade, while outstanding performance may be awarded 30 cum laude.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations, experimental data and anaysis tools developed during in class

Office hours

See the website of Vittorio Ravaglioli

See the website of Alessandro Brusa