CONTROL METHOD AND CONTROL APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

A first output limit value is determined as an intersection point of a knock-limit output line which is set according to an exhaust gas recirculation rate and ignition timing and an exhaust-temperature-limit output line which is set according to the exhaust gas recirculation rate and ignition timing; a second output limit value is determined as an intersection point of the knock-limit output line and an air-quantity-limit output line which is set according to the exhaust gas recirculation rate, ignition timing and atmospheric pressure; and a third output limit value is determined as an intersection point of the knock-limit output line and a thermal-management-limit output line which is set according to the exhaust gas recirculation rate, ignition timing and vehicle running speed. A value of the exhaust gas recirculation rate at which the condition “P1≥P2 or P1≥P3” is satisfied is set as a target exhaust gas recirculation rate.