After undergoing a study about current engine modelling and mapping approaches as well as the engine modelling requirements for different applications, a major problem found to be present is the extensive and time consuming mapping procedure that every engine has to go through so that all control parameters can be derived from experimental data. To improve this, a cycle-by-cycle modelling approach has been chosen to mathematically represent reciprocating engines starting by a complete dynamics crankshaft mechanism model which forms the base of the complete engine model. This system is modelled taking into account the possibility of a piston pin offset on the mechanism. The derived Valvetrain model is capable of representing a variable valve lift and phasing Valvetrain which can be used while modelling most modern engines. A butterfly type throttle area model is derived as well as its rate of change which is believed to be a key variable for transient engine control. In addition, an approximation throttle model is formulated aiming at real-time applications. Furthermore, the engine inertia is presented as a mathematical model able to be used for any engine. A spark ignition engine simulation (SIES) framework was developed in MATLAB SIMULINK to form the base of a complete high fidelity cycle-by-cycle simulation model with its major target to provide an environment for virtual engine mapping procedures. Some experimental measurements from an actual engine are still required to parameterise the model, which is the reason an engine mapping (EngMap) framework has been developed in LabVIEW, It is shown that all the moving engine components can be represented by a single cyclic variable which can be used for flow model development.

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This thesis is concerned with the potential applications for in-cylinder ionisation probes for the feedback control of spark ignition engines. Such sensors are shown to yield useful qualitative information about the combustion process. Two different implementations of an in-cylinder ionisation probe are investigated - both types are demonstrated to have potential for specific control applications. The first implementation is a <i>Flame front sensor</i> - here an ionisation probe is used to determine the time of flame arrival at a position remote from the spark plug. This parameter is typically subject to a high degree of cyclic variability, but is generally sensitive to variables which affect the flame speed such as air/fuel ratio, turbulence characteristics etc. The flame arrival time is shown to be useful as an indicator of relative cylinder to cylinder variations. The general signal characteristics were determined for a range of engine conditions and a system for the real-time, feedback control of a fuel injection system was developed and demonstrated. Results showed that, with the controller implemented on a four cylinder engine, the lean misfire limit could be extended to higher air/fuel ratios and the brake specific fuel consumption was improved. The second implementation of a <i>Post-flame ionisation sensor</i> -- the residual ionisation in the burnt gases behind a flame front is used to provide a signal which is sensitive to cylinder temperature and pressure. The central electrode of the spark plug is conveniently located to produce such a signal -- providing precautions are taken to protect the signal circuitry from the high voltage ignition spark. The signal characteristics of the spark plug ionisation probe were evaluated. Applications of the signal to the feedback control of ignition timing and/or fuelling, based on the estimation of peak cylinder pressure arrival and knock intensity, are demonstrated.

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