IGNITION SYSTEM & TESTING

IGNITION SYSTEM:

     • In order to maintain simplicity in the fabrication process

        and to reduce cost sparkler ignition system was used.

     • The sparkler is ignited and dropped into the engine

        before supplying fuel and compressed air for starting the engine.

SPARKLER AND MATCH BOX

TEST RUN: 

            Before operation the engine was tested for any leaks by filling it with water. This way any cracks or leaks in the welds can be identified and rectified .However there was no such leak in the engine. 

            Testing was done in two configurations ,horizontal mount and vertical mount.

It was extremely difficult to start the engine in the  horizontal configuration  as the sparkler needs to be pushed sideways into the engine's combustion chamber .In the vertical configuration it can just be dropped into the exhaust and gravity will do the rest.

Here aresome images of the test run.Will be uploading some videos soon .

HORIZONTAL 

HORIZONTAL

VERTICAL

VERTICAL

RED HOT AFTER A FEW SECONDS OF RUNNING

VERTICAL(the brown pipe is an extension to the blower)

             The blower is used for initial compression of air for the engine .The blower air is fed through the engine's inlet . Once the engine self sustains the blower is turned off and the engine continues to run .A continuous run for about 40 seconds results in the combustion chamber and the surrounding areas becoming red hot.