Topic: “ Information on Pre-ignition, detonation-concept, factors affecting

detonation”.

Content Page

Sr.no. Content Page no.

1 Introduction 1
2 Causes of pre-ignition 2
3 Effects of pre-ignition 2
4 Detonation 3
5 Ways to reduce detonation 3
6 Factors affecting detonation 4
7 References 5
 Introduction

Pre-ignition:
Pre-ignition is the ignition of the air-fuel charge prior to the spark plug firing. Anytime something
causes the mixture in the chamber to ignite before the spark plugs fire, it is classified as pre-
ignition. The ignition source can be an overheated spark plug tip, carbon, or lead deposits in the
combustion chamber, or (rarely) a burned exhaust valve-any of these things can act as a glow plug
to ignite the charge prematurely.

Such a hot spot in the chamber can ignite the charge while the piston is very early in the
compression stoke. The result: For a significant portion of the entire compression stroke, the
engine is trying to compress a hot mass of expanding gas. This obviously puts tremendous
mechanical stress on the engine and transfers a great deal heat into the aluminium piston crown
and cylinder head. Substantial damage is almost inevitable.

Pre-ignition is usually caused by a hot spot in the cylinder, caused from carbon build-up, a scored
cylinder, or an extruding spark plug. Pre-detonation is caused when the auto-ignition temperature
of the gas mixture lights off due to the temperature of compression.
Causes of Pre-ignition:
▪ Glowing carbon deposit on exhaust valves, and hot spot in the combustion chamber
▪ Sharp edges in the combustion chamber and metallic bur on unfinished parts
▪ Improperly seated valves
▪ Hotter engine due to insufficient cooling
▪ Lean air-fuel mixture, the excessive oxygen level in combustion chamber
▪ Insufficient engine oil

Effects of pre-ignition:
▪ Increase the tendency to detonation
▪ Inconsistency in the power stroke
▪ Physical damage to the piston and fouling on the spark plug
▪ Pre-ignition retards the outward movement of piston during compression, this cause
power loss
▪ In single-cylinder engine, Pre-ignition reduce speed and power output
▪ Seizure in multi-cylinder engine (if only one cylinder suffers the pre-ignition)
Detonation:
Detonation—sometimes called knock or pre-ignition—is a pinging sound that can
sometimes be heard during acceleration and throttle tip-in. Unlike normal exhaust
noise, detonation is a higher-pitched, raspy note that emanates from the engine
compartment. When detonation occurs, serious internal damage may happen, including
melted spark plug electrodes, cracked piston rings, melted, or cracked
pistons, hammered rod bearings, and blown head gaskets. If you hear detonation, take
your foot off the throttle immediately or pay the consequences.

8Ways to Reduce Detonation:

1.Reduce the Ignition Lead Timing

2.Raise the Fuel Octane
3.Use A Colder Spark Plug
4.Optimize the Air/Fuel Ratio
5.Increase Cooling Capacity
6.Reduce the Compression Ratio
7.Increase Cam Lobe Overlap
8.Improve Mixture Motion
Factors affecting detonation:

01) The fuel used in internal combustion engine will considerably effects on the chances of
detonation. Alcohol and benzol do not cause detonation but it cannot be use due its low calorific
value and other objections to use as fuel. Again alcohol cannot blend with petrol in the presence
of water.

02) The detonation is also promoted by increase in compression ratio. The compression ratio at
which detonation just occurs is known as the Highest Useful Compression Ratio. Higher
the compression ratio higher the chances of detonation and lower the output.

03) If the carbon deposits are in the cylinder and used excessive sparking temperature, the
detonation will increased rapidly.

04) The position of the spark plug in a combustion chamber determines the distance the flame
has to travel in order to reach the detonation zone. More the distance more the chances of
detonation. A centrally placed spark plug works better. Spark plug must be placed near to
exhaust valve but the exhaust must be located away from detonating zone.

05) Higher temperature of the walls of combustion chamber tends to raise the temperature
combustion chamber tending to raise the temperature of Detonation zone.

06) The rate at which the combustion of the portion of the fuel, which is first to ignite
immediately after the application of the spark, also affects detonation.
Reference:
http://mechanicalguru.blogspot.com/2009/02/which-factors-affects-detonation-in.html
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-detonation-knocking-and-pre-ignition
https://dynojet.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360004003513-What-is-Knock-Detonation-and-
Pre-ignition-
https://www.onallcylinders.com/2014/10/20/whats-difference-detonation-pre-ignition/