Improved efficiency of an unmanned air vehicle IC engine using computational modelling and experimental verification

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present experimental results of gasoline-fuelled engine operation of a crankcase-scavenged two-stroke cycle engine used for unmanned air vehicle (UAV)/unmanned air system application and to cross correlate with computational fluid dynamic modelling results.

Design/methodology/approach

Computational modelling of the engine system was conducted using the WAVE software supported by the experimental research and development via dynamometer testing of a spark ignition UAV engine to construct a validated computational model exploring a range of fuel delivery options.

Findings

Experimental test data and computational simulation have allowed an assessment of the potential advantages of applying direct in-cylinder fuel injection.

Practical implications

The ability to increase system efficiency offers significant advantages in terms of maximising limited resources and extending mission duration capabilities. The computational simulation and validation via experimental test experience provides a means of assessment of possibilities that are costly to explore experimentally and offers added confidence to be able to investigate possibilities for the development of similar future engine designs.

Originality/value

The software code used has not been applied to such crankcase-scavenged two-stroke cycle engines and provides a valuable facility for further simulation of the twin cylinder horizontally opposed design to offer further system optimisation and exploration of future possibilities.

Citation

Hooper, P. and Al-Shemmeri, T. (2017), "Improved efficiency of an unmanned air vehicle IC engine using computational modelling and experimental verification", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 89 No. 1, pp. 184-192. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-09-2015-0200