Engine modelling for virtual mapping. Development of a physics based cycle-by-cycle virtual engine that can be used for cyclic engine mapping applications, engine flow modelling, ECU calibration, real-time engine control or vehicle simulation studies.

After undergoing a study about current engine modelling and mapping approaches as well as the engine modelling requirements for different applications, a major problem found to be present is the extensive and time consuming mapping procedure that every engine has to go through so that all control parameters can be derived from experimental data. To improve this, a cycle-by-cycle modelling approach has been chosen to mathematically represent reciprocating engines starting by a complete dynamics crankshaft mechanism model which forms the base of the complete engine model. This system is modelled taking into account the possibility of a piston pin offset on the mechanism. The derived Valvetrain model is capable of representing a variable valve lift and phasing Valvetrain which can be used while modelling most modern engines. A butterfly type throttle area model is derived as well as its rate of change which is believed to be a key variable for transient engine control. In addition, an approximation throttle model is formulated aiming at real-time applications. Furthermore, the engine inertia is presented as a mathematical model able to be used for any engine. A spark ignition engine simulation (SIES) framework was developed in MATLAB SIMULINK to form the base of a complete high fidelity cycle-by-cycle simulation model with its major target to provide an environment for virtual engine mapping procedures. Some experimental measurements from an actual engine are still required to parameterise the model, which is the reason an engine mapping (EngMap) framework has been developed in LabVIEW, It is shown that all the moving engine components can be represented by a single cyclic variable which can be used for flow model development