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Engine-in-the-Loop Architecture for Autonomous Controls

Our lab has developed a simulation and control system for subjecting an engine to real-world driving conditions without actually putting the engine in the vehicle. This is accomplished by an engine-in-the-loop control architecture that models the drivetrain and vehicle-road interactions to determine the load that should be imposed by the dynamometer on the engine under test. This architecture is highly valuable for developing autonomous engine control strategies that are cleaner and more efficient.

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Rapid Compression Machine (RCM)

The FIRE Lab is home to a unique, cam-driven rapid compression machine (RCM) that enables the investigation of fuel ignition kinetics at the low-temperature, high-pressure conditions relevant to engine combustion. The RCM operates by compressing a reactive fuel-air mixture to high temperatures and pressures to induce autoignition.

The following features of the Marquette University RCM make it a unique and versatile experimental tool:

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Interchangeable Cam: The reaction piston is driven by an interchangeable cam that allows arbitrary control over the reaction chamber volume. This allows the machine to be used in a traditional way, as a "classic" rapid compression machine, or for applied applications with full compression and expansion strokes to mimic engine behavior.

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Multi-Zone Modeling Capability: One important modeling the tool that has been developed at the FIRE Lab is the multi-zone model (MZM) for rapid compression machine simulation (model available for download here). This model is superior to the effective volume modeling approach in both convenience and fidelity, especially in the presence of multi-stage ignition events. For easy application of the model to our experimental data, the piston position is measured with a laser displacement sensor at 3000 Hz.

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Reaction Quenching Device: The end-flange of the reaction chamber can be replaced with a set of custom parts which allow reaction quenching at different phases of the reaction. The quenched gas mixtures are analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the lab to determine the reaction composition, thereby informing us about the kinetic processes. Sample data below shows the pressure history during ignition and quenching experiments for iso-octane and the corresponding time evolution of pentenes in the mixture.

Lab Diagnostics and Other Equipment

  • MKS 5 Hz FTIR Gas Analyzer

  • High Pressure Injection Rig/Controller (injection pressures up to 30 kpsi)

  • Photron SA4 Camera for High Speed Combustion Visualization

  • Agilent Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spec-TCD-FID

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