Design and Optimization of Intake Manifold in Automotive

Abstract

Intake manifold is a crucial part in an engine that acts as a medium for airflow to mix with the fuel before entering the combustion chamber. The primary function of the intake manifold was to deliver the air/air-fuel mixture to the engine cylinder through the intake port with least losses. In addition, based on the engine cylinder firing order, the flow must be evenly split among the cylinder. Intake manifolds affect the volumetric efficiency which ultimately makes impact up on the engine power and torque. Conventional intake manifolds have fixed geometry and thus does not cater for the demand of wide range of engine speed. Gas dynamics of intake system plays a key role deciding the performance of an engine. This dynamics are different for fuel injected and carbureted engine and vary according to type of engine, number of cylinders, temperature of inlet, valve timing, valve angle and other factors. This paper investigates the effect of intake runner length on the performance characteristics of a four cylinder compression ignition engine with electronically controlled fuel injector.