Thermography for Performance Optimisation of Spark-ignition Engine due to Soot Formation in Exhaust Pipe

Shiv Shankar Singh; A. K. Singh

doi:10.14429/dsj.61.163

Shiv Shankar Singh
A. K. Singh

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.163

Keywords: Condition monitoring, IR Thermograph, thermocouple, conduction, convection, internal gas temperature, thermal resistance

Abstract

The usage of thermography as an effective condition monitoring tool for performance evaluation on spark-ignition engine has been discussed. The technique allows for the monitoring of temperatures and thermal patterns while the equipment are running under loaded condition. The experiments have been conducted on petrol engine to acquire thermographs of the exhaust pipe under different loads with different diameters of the exhaust pipe to provide condition for soot formation. The heat transfer analysis was carried out using properties of CO2 for three different flow areas by inserting metallic tubes of known thickness in the exhaust pipe. The paper emphasises that soot formation will reduce the flow area which will result in increase in the surface temperature and the thickness of soot layer can be further correlated with the running performance of the engine.

Defence Science Journal, 2011, 61(1), pp.12-18, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.163

Author Biographies

Shiv Shankar Singh

Mr Shiv Shankar Singh, graduated from of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune, and Naval College of Engineering, INS Shivaji, Lonavla. He has completed Advanced Marine Engineering Course and ME Mechanical (Marine Engineering) at Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Girinagar, Pune. He has carried out Instructional duties at Centre of Marine Engineering Technology at INS Shivaji, Lonavla. He has been Marine Engineer officer onboard Indian Naval Ships and is presently serving at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.

A. K. Singh

Dr A.K. Singh obtained his MSc from Agra University, Agra, in 1986 and PhD from University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, in 1992. Presently working at Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Deemed University, Girimnagar, Pune. His expertise include thermal and rheological properties of nanofluids, design and development of instrumentation for measuring thermal properties, thermal imaging for NDT, piezoelectric sensors/actuators and gas detection. He has been awarded with DRDO Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award 2005, DIAT Researcher of the Year Award 2008 and is life member of Instrumentation Society of India.