Introduction

Abstract

The symposium reported in this book was held in early 1981 and is based on work performed during the preceding few years when soaring fuel prices and impending shortages had stimulated studies of all factors affecting the efficiency of fuel use and manufacture. Deposits formed in the engine combustion chamber are of major interest because they affect engine efficiency by changing fuel octane number requirement and by changing heat loss to the cooling system. Physical interference with piston ring and gas flow through the valves can also occur. Also, the porous nature of the deposits is believed to be responsible for cyclic accumulation and release of hydrocarbons, thus increasing hydrocarbon emissions.