86496 - Internal Combustion Engines

Learning outcomes

This course aims to provide an understanding of how the design and control of internal combustion engines affect performance, consumption, emissions and radiated noise.
For all the analyzed engine architectures, students will develop extensive expertise about fluid flows, fuel systems, thermodynamics and combustion with reference to the way these factors affect engine power, efficiency and emissions.
The course also covers the analysis of experimental data acquired during activities run in engine test cells.
The application of specific knowledge acquired will enable students to choose the optimal technical solution for different engine applications and critically analyze experimental data acquired by main sensors applied to the engine.

Course contents

• Thermodynamic cycles overview: introduction to SI and CI engines;
• Fundamental paramenters for the evaluation of engine performance;
• Intake and exhaust processes;
• SI engine combustion process;
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) systems;
• Performance of the SI engine and emissions control;
• Knock and fuel requirements, Misfire and Pre-Ignition;
• CI engine combustion;
• Performance of SI engines and emissions control;
• Diesel engine fuel systems and injection pattern design in Common Rail Multi-Jet systems;
• Engine combustion noise: measurement and control
• In-cylinder heat transfer;
• Turbocharging techniques;
• Introduction to innovative combustion techniques (LTC, HCCI, PCCI, RCCI, GDCI);
• Closed-loop combustion control fundamentals.

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 in an oral examination.
During such examination, students are required to answer 3 questions. To assess their understanding and application of the course content.
The examination is passed if the student reaches at least the pass mark.

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