Steady and Dynamic Models of Fuel and Air Flow in Carburetors for Small Engines

Abstract

This work presents the mathematical model of a complex flow network containing short metering orifices, compressible flow, and two-phase flow in small diameter pipes. It has been developed to study the steady and dynamic flows in a carburetor for small engines. It extends the previously published models by incorporating a detailed review of two-phase flow pressure drop, the effect of the fuel well on the control of air-bleed flow, and dynamic flow. The homogeneous two-phase flow model, which is commonly used in previous models, was compared to an empirical correlation derived from experiments in small pipes and found to be in poor agreement. In order to assess dynamic flow conditions, the model was extended by solving instantaneous one-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations in single-phase pipes. This strategy proved successful in explaining the mixture enrichment seen under pulsating flow conditions. The model was also used to derive a sensitivity analysis of geometries and physical properties of air and fuel.