Abstract.

Future automobile gasoline and diesel engines in the US market will be discussed. Trends in mix (gasoline/diesel ratio), displacement and cylinder number as well as potential changes in technical features will be explored. Generally, the gasoline engine will predominate although a significant increase in the proportion of diesels is expected by 1990. Future US engines will be smaller and the 4-cylinder configuration will be most common. The application of modern electronic technology to both gasoline and diesel engines is expected to accelerate.

The theoretical potential for improvements in the thermal efficiency of engines is also addressed. It appears that major gains are possible if critical technical breakthroughs are achieved.

The potential role of other alternatives such as the gas turbine and spark-ignited stratified charge engines will be considered briefly.

Résumé.

La communication présente les moteurs à essence ou Diesel du futur sur le marché américain. Les tendances de l'évolution de la proportion de moteurs Diesel par rapport aux moteurs à essence, de la cylindrée et du nombre de cylindres sont analysées ainsi que les modifications potentielles de certaines caractéristiques techniques. De façon générale le moteur à essence prédominera malgré un accroissement important de la proportion de Diesel attendu d'ici l'an 1990. Les moteurs américains du futur seront plus petits et ceux à 4-cylindres seront les plus répandus. L'application de technologies électroniques modernes aux moteurs à essence et Diesel devrait s'accélérer.

On étudie aussi les possibilités théoriques d'améliorer le rendement thermique des moteurs. Des gains majeurs semblent possibles si certaines percées techniques critiques sont réussies.

On analyse brièvement le rôle potentiel d'autres possibilités telles que la turbine à gaz et les moteurs à charge stratifiée et à allumage commandé.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE The internal combustion engine has been a key factor in the rapid development of our industrialized civilization. The mobility of present day society can largely be attributed to its success as a prime mover.

Furthermore, it appears that the gasoline (Otto cycle or spark-ignition) engine and diesel (compression ignition) engine will be used extensively to power light duty vehicles well into the next century.

During the early days of the internal combustion engine rather simple performance goals were set. As a minimum, engines had to develop the power required for a given application while achieving reasonable fuel economy with some durability. Poor fuel quality limited engine performance initially. The 1930s saw a rapid increase in both the availability and quality of fuels. During this period tetraethyllead began to be used widely as a gasoline anti-knock additive. Concomitantly, engi

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