Method for generating a homogeneous mixture for auto-ignition internal combustion engines and for controlling the combustion process

The invention proceeds from a method for generating a homogeneous mixture for auto-ignition internal combustion engines and for controlling the combustion process. A method for generating a homogeneous mixture for auto-ignition internal combustion engines and for controlling the combustion process, the internal combustion engine having an injection system and at least one cylinder/piston unit connected to an intake device, includes the steps of:a) exhaust-gas recirculation of hot exhaust gas from a previous combustion cycle into the combustion space or into the intake device or exhaust-gas retention of this exhaust gas in the combustion space or in the intake device;b) injection of fuel by the injection system into the retained or recirculated hot exhaust gas in order to generate a homogeneous fuel/air mixture; andc) cooling of the homogenized fuel/air mixture by expansion cooling or by isentropic compression in the respective cylinder/piston unit and/or by expansion cooling or by external cooling of a fuel/air mixture homogenized in at least one further cylinder/piston unit and recirculation of the cooled fuel/air mixture into the intake device.