The discussion centers on the potential benefits of injecting water into a gasoline piston engine during the expansion phase to produce steam, which may increase pressure against the piston and enhance power output. Key points include the need for water to be injected as a mist to facilitate flash evaporation and the consideration of compression ratio and inlet boost pressure as alternatives. The debate highlights that while steam production could theoretically raise pressure, the cooling effect of water during phase change may ultimately lead to a decrease in cylinder pressure. The Crower 6-stroke engine is mentioned as a relevant concept in this context.
PREREQUISITESEngineers, automotive enthusiasts, and researchers interested in enhancing gasoline engine performance through innovative techniques such as water injection and steam generation.
A decrease, because the water requires energy to undergo a phase change from liquid to gas before it can expand. The combustion gasses will therefore be cooled more than the steam will increase.mikeholcombe said:At that point, the injected water mist will further cool the combusted gas, but the steam produced by the injection of the mist of water would possibly increase the pressure. So, will the result be an increase or decrease in pressure?