CFD Optimization of the Pre-Chamber Geometry for a Gasoline Spark Ignition Engine

Abstract

In the present paper, an efficient optimization method based on Bayesian updating strategy is developed for the design of a spark-ignition engine equipped with pre-chamber. 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation coupled with strategies including design of experiment, genetic algorithm, and machine learning methods is used to optimize the pre-chamber with desired combustion phasing. The optimization process starts from a design of experiment matrix of 11 design parameters, which are used to analytically characterize the pre-chamber geometry and set up the 3D combustion CFD. Taking CA50 as the single objective, the CFD results are then used to train the machine learning models. Different machine learning models are evaluated based on their Root Mean Square Error. Five machine learning models from five different categories are selected for second round evaluation. The trained machine learning model is used in the genetic algorithm optimization, which yields the optimized configuration and is again justified by CFD. The new CFD results based on the optimized design are added into the database to further refine the machine learning model. After 24 iterations for each selected machine learning models, the medium Gaussian support vector machine model is identified as the best method for the present application. Iterations using the medium Gaussian support vector machine model continue until a satisfactory result is achieved. Detailed combustion analysis is conducted to investigate the physical mechanism about how the design of pre-chamber influences the engine's performance. It is found that larger volume of the upper part of the pre-chamber results in stronger jet flow and turbulent intensity which further accelerates the flame propagation inside the pre-chamber, dominating the contrary effects from reduced pressure and temperature. Regression analysis shows that the radius of the pre-chamber is the most influential design parameter. The current work not only sheds light on the optimization of engine design, but also has demonstrated a general strategy applicable to the purpose of arbitrary engine optimization and mechanical system design.