The multi-cylinder camless engine is a Ricardo-developed in-line three-cylinder camless gasoline direct injection (GDI) research engine. The four independently controlled, hydraulically actuated valves per cylinder allow for research into advanced engine cycles and combustion modes.
This engine was originally commissioned at the Sir Harry Ricardo Laboratories for the 2/4 SIGHT project. It produced the first ever, controlled operating mode switches from four-stroke to two-stroke (and back) and demonstrated outstanding two-stroke performance of 150 Nm/l at 1000 rpm and 230 Nm/l at 2500 rpm thanks to its innovative combustion chamber.
The concept of the 2/4 cycle engine, illustrated below, relies on using the traditional cylinder poppet valves found commonly in four-stroke engines to be used also in two-stroke mode by switching to a different valve opening frequency. Unique valve, fuel and air handling control strategies ensure a smooth mode switch and good scavenging in two-stroke operation. A demonstration of mode switching can be seen in the video below.
For information on hiring equipment and/or project work with our expert team, please contact KnowledgeExchange@brighton.ac.uk
Contact us for more information
Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can .
TEF Silver awarded for the quality of our teaching and student outcomes
We are in the top 4.3% of institutions globally, Center for World University Rankings 2025
Race Equality Charter Silver awarded for our pledge to advance representation, progression and success for minority ethnic staff and students
We are ranked 14th in Stonewall's top 100 employers for commitment to equality for LGBTQ+ staff and students
We were awarded Athena Swan Silver for advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all
We are a Disability Confident employer, committed to ensuring opportunity for progression for all
Signed to the Disabled Student Commitment, an initiative to improve support for disabled students
EcoCampus Platinum accredited for our environmental sustainability, compliance and processes