Design of a research engine for homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion

The design and development of a research engine for Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) combustion was performed. The objectives were; to design and build an experimental apparatus for investigation of parameters affecting control of HCCI burn in engines, to commission the HCCI burn apparatus, to establish HCCI burn of lean fuel/air mixture, and to enable data acquisition of in-cylinder pressure measurements.; A simple design methodology was followed. Three different concepts were presented along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. Concept three was chosen as the best alternative based on functional objective and cost.; Several parameters were identified to affect control of HCCI burn in the literature review. Systems were designed to enable variability of these parameters and study of HCCI burn in a variable compression ratio engine. The criteria and constraints of all the systems of the apparatus were identified. Detailed design drawings and calculations of each system were performed to enable component selection. Testing was performed to verify the functional objectives of each system.; Based on methodology, detailed design, fabrication, testing and verification, the project has met all the objectives. Recommendations for future work were made based on testing.