Modelling internal combustion engine requires a good comprehension of emptying and filling of cylinders with air or gas mixture. Thus, a bibliographical study of the different phenomena interfering on these parameters and of the corresponding models is made. A review of the different experimental device seen in the literature is also done. Tests in stationary conditions using a manufactured cylinder head are then conducted. The analysis of these results is made using the three main valve models: Barré de St-Venant, Benson and Blair. The study of the assumptions of these models having showed their equivalence in the case of a flow exiting a pipe, the impact of different assumptions on the experimental results is analysed in detail. The three models assuming a stationary flow through the valve, some dynamic tests are then performed. These experimental data are then compared to simulation results from the models. Differences between the three models in the case of flow entering the cylinders appear and are analysed. Last but not least, the assumption of non thermal flow through the valve is investigated. High temperature tests are performed. Tests conditions did not allowed highlighting the importance of thermal losses, a new model taking in account the thermal transfers is proposed. Its theoretical study allows evaluating the impact of these transfers on emptying and filling of the cylinders.
