Conventional and hybrid vehicles spark plugs – modeling and computer simulation of glass seal resistor influence on electric field distribution

Automotive spark plugs are electric parts connected to high-voltage ignition coil winding able to generate high energy sparks necessary to ignite the air/fuel mixture. Breakdown of the spark plug air gap is one of the effects responsible for ignition noise resulting in electromagnetic interference to vehicle’s electronic systems, including radio receivers. To eliminate the electrical disturbances present with spark discharge automotive spark plugs are provided with an additional resistor connected in series with the center electrode. The noise-suppressing resistor is made of borosilicate glass and conductive particles mixture having significant influence on electric properties of the spark plug. The present paper focuses on investigation of glass seal resistor placement affecting electric field distribution. MATLAB simulation results of potential and electric field strength distribution are presented and discussed.