Effect of Spark Plug Gap on Cycle-by-Cycle Fluctuations in Four Stroke Spark Ignition Engine

Abstract

The Cycle-by-Cycle fluctuation is the major phenomenon observed in Spark ignited internal combustion engine, which limits the range of operating condition. The parameters affecting cycle-by-cycle fluctuation have been identified as Mixture Distribution, Mixture Homogeneity, Spark Intensity, Spark Timing, Spark Plug Location, Spark Plug Gap, Number of Spark Plugs, Swirl, Combustion Chamber Geometry, Compression Ratio, Equivalence Ratio, Load & Speed. It has not been possible to clearly pinpoint on each of these parameters & degree to which they effect on cycle-by-cycle fluctuations. The cycle-by-cycle fluctuations in the engine reduces the power output, increases the engine roughness and emissions. The cycle-by-cycle fluctuation in SI engine has increased the attention to steady one of the parameter like the effect of Spark Gap on CBC fluctuation. The Experimentation is carried out on Four Stroke Single Cylinder Computerized Spark Ignition Engine. The results indicate the best operating spark plug gap which will results in minimizing the cycle-by-cycle fluctuations and the engine performance is improved with better drivability.