Ignition Delay in a Diesel Engine Utilizing Different Fuels

Formulas for the calculation of ignition delay during engine operation utilizing different fuels (natural gas, $\sim98\%\,\text{CH}_4$; synthesis gas of two types, namely, $70\%\,\text{N}_2 + 30\%\,\text{CH}_4$ and $60\%\,\text{H}_2 + 20\%\,\text{CH}_4 + 20\%\,\text{N}_2$; and conventional liquid diesel fuel) are derived as a result of experimental investigations performed in a special setup with a single-cylinder diesel engine. A brief description of the experimental method is given, and the derived formulas are analyzed. The investigations have been performed at the Institute of Internal Combustion Engines of the Munich Technical University.