Experimental approach for evaluating exhaust flow distribution for PZEV exhaust manifolds using a simulated dynamic flow bench

As current and future automobile emission regulations become more stringent, the research on flow distribution for an exhaust manifold and close-coupled catalyst (CCC) has become an interesting and remarkable subjects. The design of a CCC and exhaust manifold is a formidable task due to the complexity of the flow distribution caused by the pulsating flows from piston motion and engine combustion. Transient flow at the exhaust manifold can be analyzed with various computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools. However, the results of such simulations must be verified with appropriate experimental data from real engine operating condition. In this study, an experimental approach was performed to investigate the flow distribution of exhaust gases for conventional cast types and stainless steel bending types of a four-cylinder engine. The pressure distribution of each exhaust sub-component was measured using a simulated dynamic flow bench and five-hole pitot probe. Moreover, using the results of the pitot tube measurement at the exit of the CCC, the flow distribution for two types of manifolds (cast type and bending type) was compared in terms of flow uniformity. Based on these experimental techniques, this study can be highly applicable to the design and optimization of exhaust for the better use of catalytic converters to meet the PZEV emission regulation.