A Study on the Flow Field Characteristics of Air Induction System for Reducing the Signal-to-Noise in the MAFS Output

This study presents the flow visualization results, velocity and turbulence intensity measurements made within an air filter cover and entry region of a mass air flow sensor (MAFS) which is used in an induction system of 3.8L engine. Flow structure in two air filter cover assemblies were examined. The first was a clear plastic replica of the production cover while the second was a modified clear plastic cover with a geometry configured to reduce fluctuations. High speed flow visualization and laser doppler velocimetry (LDV) systems were used to reveal and analyze the flow field characteristics encountered in the sensor design process under steady flow conditions. A 40-watt copper vapor laser was used as a light source. Its beam is focused down to a sheet of light approximately 1.5mm thick. The light scattered off the particles was recorded by a 16mm high speed rotating prism camera at 5000 frames per second. A comparison of the flow patterns and LDV measurements in the original and modified air filter covers is presented to illustrate the controlling effect of the cover design on the turbulence structure formation near the bypass and on the sensor output signal. In both axial and radial planes of the main passage it was found that the turbulence flow pattern is remarkably influenced by the air filter cover and main passage configuration.