Optimizing Air Flow on a Restricted KTM 525 Engine

Presenter Information

Paul LaSorsa, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Devin Danielson, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 201

Start Date

5-4-2010 1:00 PM

End Date

5-4-2010 3:00 PM

Student's Major

Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Bruce Jones

Mentor's Department

Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Our project exhibits the Minnesota State University-Mankato Automotive Engineering Technology’s involvement in optimizing air flow on a restricted KTM 525 engine. In compliance with the Formula SAE rules (Society of Automotive Engineers Collegiate Design Series) a 19mm restrictor must be placed in the intake system of the engine to reduce air flow. The ability of the engine to produce power relies heavily on its ability to draw air from the atmosphere into the combustion chamber. The more air that enters the engine the more power it can produce. The problem faced was maximizing air flow into the engine through the 19mm restrictor to produce a powerful competitive engine. The focus of this research project deals with the engine components that the air flows through to get from the atmosphere to the combustion chamber of the engine. These components include the intake manifold and the cylinder head. Data was collected from the original unrestricted components, research was conducted on air flow, and physical models were designed and fabricated. These models were then implemented onto the engine to verify our research.