Flow behaviour analysis along an engine air intake pipe

Abstract

There is a concern with the flow behaviour inside the air intake pipe that affects the desirable pressure ratio for inflow into the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. Measurements of flow along the intake pipe are required to better understand the physics of the intake system. This paper focuses on investigating the dynamics of the pressure profile along the intake pipe. The methodology involves experimental work utilising a red oil manometer to measure the pressure. Results analysis is presented as graphs of gauge pressures against engine speeds. From experimental results, the pressure profiles along the intake pipe were similar at different engine speed settings and pipe lengths. It was observed that the values of gauge pressure were lowest at the pipe entrance and it continued to rise along the pipe until it reaches the intake valve. This is a preliminary study looking into the effect of pipe geometry on the pressure dynamics.