Design and Performance Evaluation of Integrated Exhaust Manifold

Exhaust manifolds are the first structures to be developed by hydroforming; mass production of exhaust manifolds by this method will be possible soon. This is obviously related with tight emission regulation induced by environmental problems commonly for both domestic and worldwide and standards, thus evoking its solution for domestic automakers. Compared to conventional cast products, thin-gauge tubular hydroformed exhaust manifold have superior features; for example, in the hydroformed exhaust manifold, gas decomposition during the cold-start period of the engine is reduced by lowering the heat sink, and manufacturing process is simplified since less welding is involved. The aim of this study is to develop a hydroformed exhaust manifold; the study deals with the components, the hydroforming process, and tool design of the manifolds. The performance of the exhaust system is evaluated by performing flow analysis, heat-transfer analysis, heat-stress analysis, and fatigue analysis by using a computer.