Multidimensional modeling of convective heat transfer with application to IC (internal combustion) engines

Abstract

The objective of this project is to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the convective heat transfer process in complex, unsteady turbulent reacting flows, typical of those which occur in internal combustion engines. The specific area of research will be the representation of heat transfer in detailed multi-dimensional Navier-Stokes models, and modeling of turbulent transport mechanisms. The detailed tasks will include a review of relevant prior work. Based on this review, and original work done under this contract, several modeling approaches will be formulated and further studied and tested. The tests will be carried out on flow cases which have relevance to engine flows, and for which reliable experimental data exist. Such data will be sought and identified. The analytical studies will lead to the determination of the best modeling approaches to be used for heat transfer simulation in internal combustion engines. Following that, a detailed study will be carried out of spatial and temporal heat flux distribution in a representative engine. This will be complemented by a parametric study of engine heat transfer dependence on intake flow details, combustion chamber geometry, engine speed and engine load.