Ignition modelling of a double sparking plug for internal combustion engines

Abstract

In order to improve the ignition system for internal combustion engines (ICE) a plug system with a double spark has been proposed. It can be obtained by modifying a conventional spark plug and adding an additional, floating potential, electrode between the two main electrodes, typically used. In order to validate the functionality of the double spark plug, in-situ experiments on an engine block, and different types of analysis (electrical, physical, chemical and mechanical) have been performed This paper presents a simulation of the spark discharge ignition in the case of the double spark plug and for the classic system, respectively, by using COMSOL Multiphysics. This simulation is essential in the case of the double spark plug, because it allows an optimization of its construction, determining the most advantageous position of the unpowered electrode relative to the upper electrode powered at high voltage.