Exhaust Plume Flow Visualization for Qualitative Analysis of Engine Combustion Performance

Abstract

This work explores use of Thermal Infrared Image based Flow Visualization (TIIFV) for qualitative analysis of gasoline engine combustion performance. It proposes determining engine combustion performance through analysis of the exhaust plume turbulence and radiation extinction patterns. The employed methodology requires estimating the point spread function (PSF) prevailing in a LWIR image and using the PSF estimates for enhancing the engine exhaust plume LWIR images. Influence of exhaust plume composition on the plume flow characteristics, made evident by the turbulence and radiation extinction patterns, is then ascertained. The observed plume flow characteristics and underlying flow patterns are used to qualitatively determine the engine combustion performance. Results suggest that engine exhaust flow visualization can help in qualitative analysis of combustion performance from a distance and our reliance on photochemical-based analysis of gasoline engine combustion efficiency can be reduced. Thus a time consuming and untidy process, difficult to be carried out in real life situations, may be replaced with a swift and cleaner one.