Tumble Flow Enhancement Applied for Low-Load Condition of Engines by Utilizing Reverse Flow Phenomenon in Intake Port

We established a technology that can enhance the tumble flow in the cylinder only in a partial load range of the engine without the need to use any intake path switching mechanisms.

Firstly, we attempted to understand the basic phenomena of intake flow by using a CFD model, while using a butterfly throttle valve in a straight pipe. By doing this, we were able to observe the reverse flow of intake air that appears after the intake air has passed the throttle valve when the throttle valve opening is 30% or less. This reverse flow is generated mainly in the flow that has passed the trailing edge of the throttle valve. At both sides of the trailing edge opening, the flow is slowed down by diffusing. The flow is then pulled into the low-pressure zone created behind the throttle valve. In addition, a part of the reverse flow merges with the air flowing on the leading-edge side.

Next, we confirmed that installing a flow separator behind the throttle valve that vertically divides the flow can successfully capture the reverse flow into one of the two flow paths. Furthermore, we confirmed that optimizing the separator position can capture most of the flow into one path, thereby gaining the required amount of flow that can generate tumble in the combustion chamber.

By applying the above results to an actual engine, we validated the effect through a CFD flow analysis and also steady flow tests. As a result, we confirmed that this system can enhance tumble within a partial load range of the engine to a level that is equivalent to that obtained by a tumble port that has a flow path switching mechanism.