Computational Modeling and Analysis of Transient Flow in an IC Engine with a Generic Inlet Tract

Abstract

The geometry at the open end of the inlet tract and the effects of the transient phenomena due to the motion of piston and valves have a significant influence on tuning effects for optimum engine volumetric efficiency. Previous work at University of Leicester has been conducted into the effects of inlet tract radius on transient and steady flow properties that occur within the intake manifold using a general purpose CFD code, which are validated against the experimental data available. The optimum inlet tract radius along with the rest of the intake manifold geometry is consistent with the work reported here. In this project unsteady transient flow in a simplified computational model of a single cylinder and intake manifold of an internal combustion engine has been investigated, based on the successful application of dynamic mesh modeling techniques. The study mainly focuses on the effect of parameters such as bore of the cylinder (combustion chamber) and clearance length on the flow within both the intake manifold and the chamber itself. The work reported here will help build a set of optimum design parameters for achieving improved values of volumetric efficiency as well as highly efficient mixing of air and fuel in the combustion chamber.