The pre-ignition phenomenon

Ford recently developed a compressor-charged version of the Rocam engine for the Brazilian market. The Rocam engine family was originally introduced in 2000. During production development of this 1.0 I version, which has a power density rating of 70 kW/l, engine failures were repeatedly observed during the test phase due to pre-ignition processes. Although the problem could be quickly resolved through the use of conventional methods the pre-ignition phenomenon was observed in depth using experimental methods. The aim of the investigation was to determine the cause of the phenomenon, the manner in which it occurs and to develop preventative methods. The above-mentioned engine was used as a basis for the experiment.