Characterization of near-wall flow and in-cylinder free-stream turbulence during the intake phase of a direct-injection engine: A flow bench study

Abstract

This study investigates the characteristics of the near-wall flow and pressure-induced wall-influenced turbulence inside a direct-injection engine during the intake phase by utilizing a wall-resolved Large Eddy Simulation. An engine flow bench operating under stationary conditions is used to reduce the complexity of engine flows and to shed light on the in-cylinder flow during the intake phase. The investigation focuses on in-cylinder turbulence on symmetry (SP) and valve planes (VP), particularly emphasizing the flow close to the intake valves and the impingement region on the liner wall. An experimental dataset acquired through 2D high-speed particle image velocimetry (PIV) facilitates validation of the simulation of both time-averaged velocity field and associated turbulence structure. Turbulence anisotropy analysis shows that, in complex wall-bounded flows, the IC engine-related in-cylinder turbulence structure is characterized by the anisotropic states that cope with both axisymmetric expansion and contraction straining events. Due to the strong influence of the intake flow, the turbulence anisotropy level, expressed in terms of the two-componentality parameter F, retains its value of less than 0.85, and no turbulence occurs in accordance with the fully three-component isotropic state, characterized by the F-parameter value of 1. In the vicinity of the intake valve near wall area, the turbulence anisotropy state transitions from that resembling a canonical channel flow characteristic to curvature-induced acceleration after impingement, which aligns with axisymmetric expansion in the anisotropy invariant map. The presence of intake flow sustains turbulence anisotropy. Limitations in applying wall-function treatments for near-wall flow in engine contexts due to simplifications, such as the zero-pressure gradient assumption, are highlighted. In this respect, the interplay of non-equilibrium effects in the near-wall region needed to be further explored. Accordingly, analysis of the viscosity-affected layer near the intake valve and the flow impingement area of the liner wall underscores the importance of the wall-tangential pressure gradient in shaping the near-wall behavior. A budget analysis of the turbulent kinetic energy equation at the intake valve emphasizes the dominance of fluctuating pressure-induced diffusive transport in turbulence generation.