Large-eddy simulation of methane direct injection using the full injector geometry

Abstract

Understanding the mixing process of under-expanded gaseous-fuel jets from an outward opening injector is essential for developing Direct Injection (DI) internal combustion engines. This paper presents a Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) study of the DI of methane into a Constant Volume Chamber (CVC), considering the full, internal geometry of a prototype injector. Four cases at conditions relevant to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) DI engines are investigated, with methane as a surrogate for CNG. A new post-processing method permits the 3D LES field to be projected into a 2D density gradient field that can be compared to a schlieren image. The LES results are then validated against high-speed, schlieren imaging experiments, demonstrating that the simulations are able to reproduce experimental trends. Three main regions of the external flow are observed: a recirculation zone just downstream of the injector tip, a stagnation zone and a far-mixing zone. The location of the stagnation zone increases as the CVC pressure decreases, consistent with a theory presented in the literature. The modelling of the full internal geometry of the injector leads to a determination of the injector pressure losses. Once the pressure loss within the injector is considered, a short version of the injector can reasonably represent the full injector for prediction of the external flow.