Engine - Related Dissertation topics.

[l354uge]

Hello all,

Heading towards the end of my placement year at an engine test facility, which means I will be picking my dissertation topic soon. Current ideas include:

• Using valve lift to control the 'throttle' instead of a standard throttle plate.
• Investigation into using solenoids instead of camshafts.
• Utilising thermal storage materials on the turbo and exhaust system to save thermal/electrical energy for the next engine start. (warmer engine at start up - less emissions and wear)
• Improving combustion chamber geometry to reduce unused air:fuel mixture. (reduce HC emissions and improve efficiency)

Thats all I have so far, if you guys have any input on my ideas or even some of your own that would be great.
I'd prefer something that could be proved with real-life testing, even though I haven't discussed anything with my employers/customers just yet.

[l354uge]

Rotorcams (trademark pending...) sound like a very interesting idea!

I'm trying to find a balance between exploring something fresh (a high percentage of students will just do emission reduction through SCR/Cal changes) and something which has a fair bit of info available (friend did his on the current F1 hybrid engines, safe to say trying to get any data from the manufacturers was difficult).

I seem to have my heart set on the camless engine idea, it certainly makes more sense than having camshafts with vvt, vvl, vde and other goodies bolted on! lets hope Koenigsegg reply to my email...