Numerical Simulation of charge stratifications to improve combustion and NO formation of lean-burn SI engines

The influences of charge stratification on spark ignition (SI) engine combustion and NO emission were analyzed using a phenomenological model. The mixture in the cylinder was divided spherically into three parts: a central core with a stoichiometric air-fuel charge, a dilution region without any combustible charge, and a mixing region lying between the core and the dilution region. Three mixture stratification parameters such as the extent of dilution in the mixing region, the extent of combustible charge in the mixing region, and the gradient of stratification in the mixing region were investigated. The results indicate that the extent of combustible charge in the mixing region could reduce in-cylinder NO formation significantly, compared with the extent of dilution in the mixing region. As long as the degree of dilution in the mixing region is within the dilution limit of the combustible charge, the gradient of dilution has little effect on combustion and NO formation.