Improvement of Combustion Process of Spark-Ignited Aviation Wankel Engine

Lev Finkelberg,Alexander Kostuchenkov,Andrei Zelentsov,Vladimir Minin

doi:10.3390/en12122292

Lev Finkelberg, Alexander Kostuchenkov + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/en12122292

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Abstract

This paper deals with the creation of modern high-performance aircraft power units based on the Wankel rotary piston engine. One of the main problems of Wankel engines is high specific fuel consumption. This paper solves the problem of improving the efficiency of this type of engine. The mathematical model of non-stationary processes of transfer of momentum, energy, mass, and the concentration of reacting substances in the estimated volume provides for the determination of local gas parameters in the entire computational region, which are presented as a sum of averaged and pulsation components. The k-ζ-f model is used as the turbulence model; the combustion is described by the coherent flame model (CFM) based on the concept of laminar flame propagation. As a result of the calculation, we obtained the values of temperature, pressure, and velocity of the working fluid in the working chamber cross-sections of a rotary–piston engine. Various options of the rotor recess shape are considered. Based on the data obtained, the rotor design was improved. The offered shape of the rotor recess has reduced emissions of both nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide.

Highlights

Wankel engines (WEs), in comparison with traditional engines with a crank mechanism, have a smaller weight and dimensions
WE high performance should be provided by improving the efficiency of the processes of intake, exhaust, and the combustion of the fuel–air mixture
During showed a satisfactory reconciliation of the calculated data

Summary

Introduction

Wankel engines (WEs), in comparison with traditional engines with a crank mechanism, have a smaller weight and dimensions. In this regard, they are well suited for use on aircrafts. WE high performance should be provided by improving the efficiency of the processes of intake, exhaust, and the combustion of the fuel–air mixture These engines are characterized by a fewer number of parts in comparison with traditional piston engines [1,2]. These engines have a high fuel consumption and relatively low engine life Due to these reasons, it is necessary to increase the WE operation efficiency and improve the engine’s life. This study is aimed at solving the first problem; we only mention that a possible solution of the second problem is the use of perspective materials for the manufacture of seals and the hardening of the stator surface

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