86496 - Internal Combustion Engines

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:

Lectures provide students with the basic concepts of design, development and control of modern internal combustion engines. Understanding of such concepts enables the ability to develop and apply original ideas, even in the area of Research and Development.

Applied knowledge and understanding:

for the discussed ICE technologies, the students will be able to recognize:

- the principles of operation;

- the main modelling and design criteria;

- the guidelines to properly control the mechanical system.

Independent thinking:

The theoretical knowledge acquired, together with the analysis of experimental data carried out with the support of the professor, promote the development of remarkable analytical and critical thinking skills, suitable for complex decision-making processes.

Communication skills

Clearly communicate the knowledge and understanding skills acquired.

Use correctly and appropriately the language, concepts and models acquired to effectively discuss the design and modelling solutions for propulsion systems with internal combustion engines

Learning skills:

All the described activities enable students to develop necessary learning skills to broaden their knowledge of technical topics independently, with the aim of effectively promoting their integration in the labour market or access to further courses.

Course contents

• Thermodynamic cycles overview: introduction to SI and CI engines;

• Fundamental paramenters for the evaluation of engine performance;

• Intake and exhaust processes;

(ECTS 1.0, 10 hours)

• 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;

(ECTS 1.5, 15 hours)

• CI engine combustion;

(ECTS 0.5, 5 hours)

• 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

(ECTS 1.0, 10 hours)

• Supercharging techniques;

(ECTS 1.5, 15 hours)

• Introduction to innovative combustion techniques (LTC, HCCI, PCCI, RCCI, GDCI);

• Closed-loop combustion control fundamentals.

(ECTS 0.5, 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 exam will take place at the end of the course according to the official exam session calendar.

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 evaluation indicators are:

- Ability to use knowledge (25%)

- Ability to connect knowledge (25%);

- Mastery of technical language (15%);

- Ability to discuss topics (20%)

- Ability to deepen the topics (15%)

The evaluation of the oral exam is expressed out of thirty (a score greater than 30 leads to obtaining the grade: 30 cum laude).

The examination is passed if the student reaches at least a sufficient mark (18/30).

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