Abstract
As an alternative fuel that can be used in SI engine, LPG is one of clean fuels with larger H/C ratio compared to gasoline, low $CO_2$ emission, and small amount of pollutants such as sulfur compounds. When LPG is used in spark ignition engine, volumetric efficiency of the engine can be improved and pumping loss can be reduced by performing direct injection into the combustion chamber instead of port fuel injection. LPG-DI engine allows for lean combustion and stratified combustion under low load. In case of stratified combustion, air fuel ratio can be greatly increased compared to theoretic mixture ratio combustion. Improved thermal efficiency of the engine and reduced pumping loss can be expected from stratified combustion. Accordingly in this study, an experimental apparatus for visualization was designed and manufactured to study the combustion process of LPG after injection and ignition, intended to examine ignition probability and combustion characteristics of spark ignition direct injection(SIDI) LPG fuel. Ambient pressure, ambient temperature and fuel injection pressure were found as important variables that affect ignition probability and flame propagation characteristics of LPG-air mixture. Also, it was verified that the injected LPG fuel can be directly ignited by spark plug under appropriate ambient conditions.
