Abstract
Physical apparatus and technique have been developed for studying the fundamental processes of combustion within the cylinders of Diesel engines. The study of engine performance actually should begin with the energy changes taking place in the combustible material. For a better understanding of the procedure followed in such tests the authors describe the “window technique” developed for the optical study of combustion. In this system a quartz port is introduced into the cylinder wall through which, for example, a spectrograph may be used to observe the flame. Another method for studying combustion and its effects on the cylinder is by means of the Edgerton camera, or high-speed continuously moving film. The technique of measuring pressures within the combustion chambers with the cathode-ray oscilloscope is described. The most important results of the study reported in this paper are the records of flame duration and pressure obtained.