Winged reentrant electromagnetic combustion chamber

Abstract

An internal combustion engine combustion chamber suitable for electromagnetic stimulation of combustion which has been improved by the addition of combustion chamber periphery extensions (wings) filled with dielectric material. The wing dimensions and filler dielectric material are chosen to allow for specification of the chamber EM resonant frequency, preferably at a frequency in the UHF range (where low cost DC operated devices can be used) and at an industrial allocated frequency. The wing chamber EM resonant modes are further designed to place relatively high electrical currents at the wing tips (which are totally closed surfaces), and low EM currents at the piston-cylinder gaps, thus eliminating the need for EM chokes. The EM feature of the chamber is further improved by shaping the piston face and/or cylinder head face in conjunction with the wing design to further lower the EM operating frequency and improve frequency stability with respect to piston motion about TDC. EM resonsant modes with high EM currents at the center of the chamber are preferably excited, which further improves frequency stability and EM coupling to the flame front plasma, especially when used with ceramic heat barrier coatings on the piston and cylinder faces. The engine uses dual plasma ignition and a simple EM loop coupler at the wing tip to introduce the EM energy which is modulated to minimize formation of unwanted plasma discharges. The engine uses an extremely lean mixture and minimal cooling for highest efficiency, lowest emissions, lightest weight and simplest design and operation.