Impact of intake manifold geometry on power and torque: a simulation-based study

The internal combustion engine (ICE) remains pivotal in motorcycle technology, primarily due to its efficiency, energy density, and established infrastructure, despite the rise of electric vehicles. This study examines the influence of intake manifold design parameters on the performance of a single-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE), with a specific focus on brake power and brake torque at high engine speeds. A comprehensive parametric analysis was conducted using a 1D simulation model in Ricardo Wave, evaluating the effects of manifold length, diameter, and bending angle on engine performance metrics. The results demonstrate that the optimized intake manifold design yields a 7.75% improvement in brake power and a 6.5% enhancement in brake torque at 10,000 RPM compared to the baseline configuration. Mid-range values for manifold length and diameter were found to achieve optimal airflow dynamics, effectively minimizing pressure losses. Additionally, a bending angle of 70° exhibited superior stability in power delivery at elevated engine speeds. These findings underscore the critical role of intake manifold geometry optimization in achieving enhanced engine performance under high-speed operating conditions.