Department of Mechanical Engineering

1055, 1057, 1059, 1104 Black Engineering Building

The internal combustion engine laboratory consists of various engine-dynamometer test stands. The facilities include three multi-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines, one multi-cylinder gasoline engine and one single-cylinder Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine. The diesel engine is equipped with a state-of-the-art high-pressure common-rail injection system. The system allows multiple injection pulses with flexible injection timings. The laboratory also has numerous emission analyzers that can measure low-level exhaust emissions.

Our engine research focuses on three main areas: (1) low-emission technology, (2) biofuel combustion, and (3) advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of spray combustion. The goal is to optimize combustion efficiency and minimize exhaust pollution. We use experimental data to help develop numerical models and, in the meantime, use models as a tool to investigate in-cylinder details and help design experimental conditions.

The approach of “low-temperature combustion” is being used to achieve low engine emissions. By using exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and advanced fuel injection systems, we can control in-cylinder fuel-air mixing to achieve a low combustion temperature. This approach is sometimes called homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI), premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI), or controlled auto-ignition (CAI).

We also investigate the combustion characteristics of various biofuels including biodiesel and ethanol. The research includes in-laboratory engine tests and on-road vehicle field studies using various biodiesel blends. We also explore the performance of emulsified diesel fuel with ethanol and/or water. The goal is to identify problems and strategies to help adopt biorenewable fuels for transportation.

Numerical modeling of engine combustion is also an important part of our research. We continue to develop high-fidelity models that integrate CFD with detailed chemical kinetics. The model can simulate fuel spray atomization, multi-component liquid vaporization, mixing, combustion, and emission formation. The ultimate goal is to develop predictive numerical models that can be used as a tool for engine design.

The engine laboratory continues to receive research funding from various industries and government agencies. For more details, please visit the website of Dr. Song-Charng Kong at http://www3.me.iastate.edu/kong/.