Abstract
Based on an existinu, electro-hydraulic, fully flexible camless valve train and high pressure fuel injection system developed previously by Sturman Industries, a novel combustion strategy has been developed. Named the Sturman Cycle, this combustion strategy aims to fully control the combustion process using a new air injection combustion strategy. The hardware configuration used to enable this testing is called the Digital Engine. This paper will outline the development to date of the Digital Engine and the Sturman Cycle. The hardware configuration will be discussed in detail followed by a theoretical description of the combustion cycle and the software and control system used to attain the required timings. Analysis completed on the process will be presented. Initial dynamometer test results are showing promising ability to control ignition timing.
