Guerrier, Mark Paul; (1999) The Development and Evaluation of Phosphorescent Particle Tracking. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

In order to develop leaner burning internal combustion engines a thorough knowledge of the in-cylinder processes are required. For the stratified charge engine an understanding of the interaction of the two incoming gas flows streams is necessary. This work reviewed the optical techniques currently available for engine flow diagnostics before concluding that a new optical technique was required. This thesis presents the development and evaluation of a novel optical technique known as Phosphorescent Particle Tracking (PPT). The new technique was based upon the visualisation of small luminescent tracer particles contained within each flow stream. The tracer materials, which were yttrium vanadium oxide particles doped with rare earth elements, emitted light at different wavelengths and therefore it was possible to identify each flow stream simultaneously. The major difference when compared to other optical methods was that the phosphorescent emissions from the tracer particles were captured after the excitation source had extinguished. The development of the PPT technique included the selection of the appropriate seeding material, the air flow seeding method and the required instrumentation in order to excite and record the luminescent emissions. The evaluation was carried out using a steady flow rig fitted with a conventional four valve pent roof cylinder head. Initial tests progressed with the imaging of single flow streams. Three image capture strategies were devised, these being the instantaneous, phosphorescent particle tracking (PPT) and image smear techniques. Each strategy had the potential to reveal various attributes of the in-cylinder flow. The image capture strategies were then extended to allow the successful imaging of a pair of gas flow streams. The dual imaging technique allowed the different flow structures to be identified during tests utilising various valve lifts. The work completed during this study has established Phosphorescent Particle Tracking as a viable technique for single and dual flow analysis.

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