ignition delay time

Ignition delay time is the period between when a fuel-air mixture is introduced into an engine and when it actually ignites or ignites spontaneously. It measures how quickly the fuel starts to burn after being injected or compressed. Shorter ignition delay times lead to smoother engine operation and more efficient combustion, while longer delays can cause roughness and less efficient performance. It's an important factor in engine design, especially for ensuring optimal timing and reducing emissions. Essentially, ignition delay is the lag between introducing fuel and the beginning of its combustion process.