When combustion chambers burn fuel in layers that vary in air-to-fuel ratios, this is known as?

Stratified combustion refers to a combustion process where the fuel and air are mixed in a non-uniform manner, creating different layers with varying air-to-fuel ratios. This technique allows for more efficient combustion, as it can optimize the burning of fuel by taking advantage of the different combustion characteristics of each layer. This variation can help in reducing emissions and improving fuel economy since it allows for better control over the combustion process.

In stratified combustion, certain layers may have higher concentrations of fuel, while others may be richer in air, leading to more complete burning of the fuel in specific zones within the chamber. This is particularly beneficial in applications like gasoline direct injection engines or in certain diesel combustion systems, where controlling the combustion characteristics can lead to enhanced performance and reduced pollutant formation.