Method of initiating regeneration of a particulate filter for a direct-injection diesel engine with a common rail injection system

A method of initiating regeneration of a particulate filter for a diesel engine having a common rail injection system permitting, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of the engine, a fuel injection strategy performing one or more of the following injections: a main injection; a first pre-injection preceding the main injection and performed at the compression stroke; a second pre-injection preceding the main injection and following the first pre-injection; a first post-injection following the main injection; and a second post-injection following the first post-injection and performed at the exhaust stroke; the second pre-injection and the first post-injection being performed close enough to the main injection to participate, together with the main injection, in the actual fuel combustion phase. The method of initiating regeneration of the particulate filter provides for implementing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of the engine, a fuel injection strategy wherein one or more of the first and second pre-injection, the main injection, and the first and second post-injection are performed, and wherein the timing of one or more of the injections performed is varied with respect to the timing of the injections