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Effect of exhaust manifold geometry and engine parameters on flow pulsations inside the exhaust system with CCC under firing conditions

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Abstract

The flow characteristics in the exhaust manifold and close-coupled catalytic converter (CCC) system of a spark-ignition engine have a major influence on its performance and emission characteristics. In particular, understanding the exhaust flow characteristics during engine operation is crucial in terms of shortening the catalyst light-off and enhancing its conversion efficiency. In this study, to understand the pulsating nature of the exhaust flow under engine firing conditions, transient velocity measurements using laser Doppler velocimetry were performed inside an exhaust system with CCC. First, the effects of engine parameters (speed and load) on the pulsating behavior of the exhaust flow were investigated. Moreover, the effects of the exhaust manifold geometric configuration on the pulsating flow characteristics are presented. It is expected that the data obtained from this study can be used to improve exhaust system design for robust emission control in terms of catalyst light-off and durability.

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Abbreviations

ABDC:

After bottom dead center

ATDC:

After top dead center

BBDC:

Before bottom dead center

BMEP:

Brake mean effective pressure

BTDC:

Before top dead center

CA:

Crank angle

CCC:

Close-coupled catalytic converter

CFD:

Computational fluid dynamics

DOHC:

Double over head camshaft

EVC:

Exhaust valve closing

EVO:

Exhaust valve opening

LDV:

Laser Doppler velocimetry

TWC:

Three-way catalytic converter

UCC:

Underfloor catalytic converter

WOT:

Wide open throttle

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Research Program funded by the SeoulTech (Seoul National University of Science and Technology).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 01811, Korea

    Han-Sang Kim

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  1. Han-Sang Kim
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Correspondence to Han-Sang Kim.

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Han-Sang Kim received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Seoul National University in 1989 and 1991, respectively. He then obtained his Ph.D. degree from Seoul National University in 2005. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering at Seoul National University of Science and Technology. His research interests include thermal management for eco-friendly powertrain systems, and engine exhaust systems.

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Kim, HS. Effect of exhaust manifold geometry and engine parameters on flow pulsations inside the exhaust system with CCC under firing conditions. J Mech Sci Technol 35, 805–813 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-021-0141-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-021-0141-z

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