UNIT III AU3036

COMBUSTION MODELLING

Basic Concepts of Engine Simulation in Combustion Modelling:

Engine simulation is a computational tool that is used to predict the performance and
emissions of internal combustion engines. It is based on the mathematical modeling
of the physical processes that occur inside an engine, such as combustion, heat
transfer, and fluid flow.

Combustion modelling is a key component of engine simulation. It is used to predict

the rate of heat release during combustion, which is essential for calculating engine
performance and emissions. Combustion modelling is based on the fundamental
principles of thermodynamics and chemistry, as well as experimental data.

Engine simulation is used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Engine design and development

• Engine performance and emissions optimization

• Aftertreatment system design and optimization

• Engine control system development

• Fuel economy and emissions prediction

Basic Steps in Engine Simulation

The basic steps in engine simulation are as follows:

1. Geometry modeling: The geometry of the engine is modeled using a

computer-aided design (CAD) software package. This includes the cylinder
geometry, piston geometry, valve geometry, and other relevant features.
2. Mesh generation: A mesh is generated over the engine geometry. The mesh
is a discretization of the engine geometry into smaller cells. The size and
quality of the mesh have a significant impact on the accuracy of the
simulation.
3. Governing equations: The governing equations of fluid flow, heat transfer, and
combustion are solved for each cell in the mesh. The governing equations are
 a set of partial differential equations that describe the physical processes that
occur inside the engine.
4. Boundary conditions: Boundary conditions are specified at the boundaries of
the mesh. Boundary conditions define the values of the variables at the
boundaries, such as pressure and temperature.
5. Solution: The governing equations are solved numerically to obtain the values
of the variables at each cell in the mesh. The solution of the governing
equations provides information about the performance and emissions of the
engine.
Combustion Modelling in Engine Simulation

Combustion modelling in engine simulation is based on the fundamental principles of

thermodynamics and chemistry. The combustion process is modeled as a series of
chemical reactions that occur between the fuel and air. The rate of each chemical
reaction is determined by the temperature and pressure of the gas mixture.

Combustion models also take into account the effects of turbulence and heat
transfer. Turbulence is the random motion of the gas molecules. Turbulence
enhances the mixing of the fuel and air, which can lead to faster combustion. Heat
transfer can also affect the combustion process by changing the temperature of the
gas mixture.

Challenges in Engine Simulation

Engine simulation is a challenging task due to the complexity of the physical

processes that occur inside an engine. Some of the challenges in engine simulation
include:

• Modeling the combustion process accurately

• Modeling the effects of turbulence accurately

• Modeling the effects of heat transfer accurately

• Simulating the engine over a wide range of operating conditions

Despite the challenges, engine simulation has become a powerful tool for engine
design and development. Engine simulation can be used to predict the performance
and emissions of an engine before it is built, which can save time and money.
Conclusion

Engine simulation is a computational tool that is used to predict the performance and
emissions of internal combustion engines. It is based on the mathematical modeling
of the physical processes that occur inside an engine, such as combustion, heat
transfer, and fluid flow.

Combustion modelling is a key component of engine simulation. It is used to predict

the rate of heat release during combustion, which is essential for calculating engine
performance and emissions. Combustion modelling is based on the fundamental
principles of thermodynamics and chemistry, as well as experimental data.

Engine simulation is used in a wide range of applications, including engine design

and development, engine performance and emissions optimization, aftertreatment
system design and optimization, engine control system development, and fuel
economy and emissions prediction.

Governing Equations:

The governing equations of combustion modeling are the conservation equations of

mass, momentum, energy, and species. These equations are used to describe the
transport and chemical reactions of the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinder.

The conservation of mass equation states that the net mass flow into a control
volume must be equal to the rate of change of mass in the control volume.

∂ρ/∂t + ∇⋅(ρV) = 0

where ρ is the density and V is the velocity.

The conservation of momentum equation states that the net momentum flow into a
control volume must be equal to the rate of change of momentum in the control
volume.

∂(ρV)/∂t + ∇⋅(ρVV) = -∇p + ∇⋅τ

where p is the pressure and τ is the stress tensor.

The conservation of energy equation states that the net energy flow into a control
volume must be equal to the rate of change of energy in the control volume.
∂(ρE)/∂t + ∇⋅(ρVE) = -∇⋅q + ∇⋅(τ⋅V) + ρW

where E is the internal energy, q is the heat flux, and W is the work done on the
system.

The conservation of species equation states that the net mass flow of a species into
a control volume must be equal to the rate of change of mass of the species in the
control volume.

∂(ρY_i)/∂t + ∇⋅(ρVY_i) = ∇⋅(ρD_i∇Y_i) + ρR_i

Where,

Y_i is the mass fraction of the i-th species,

D_i is the diffusion coefficient of the i-th species,

R_i is the net rate of production of the i-th species by chemical reactions.

Classification of Engine Models in Combustion Modeling:

Engine models in combustion modeling can be classified into four main categories:

1. Zero-dimensional (0D) models: These models treat the entire combustion

chamber as a single zone. They are the simplest and most computationally
efficient type of model, but they are also the least accurate.
2. One-dimensional (1D) models: These models divide the combustion chamber
into a series of interconnected zones. They are more accurate than 0D
models, but they are also more computationally expensive.
3. Two-dimensional (2D) models: These models divide the combustion chamber
into a grid of cells. They are more accurate than 1D models, but they are also
more computationally expensive.
4. Three-dimensional (3D) models: These models represent the combustion
chamber in its entirety. They are the most accurate type of model, but they
are also the most computationally expensive.

The choice of engine model depends on the specific application. For example, 0D
models are often used for preliminary design and optimization studies, while 3D
models are often used for research and development.
Here is a table that summarizes the key characteristics of each type of engine
model:

Model Accuracy Computational Typical applications

type cost

0D Low Low Preliminary design and optimization

studies

1D Medium Medium Performance and emissions

prediction

2D High High Research and development

3D Very Very high Research and development

high

It is important to note that the classification of engine models in combustion

modeling is not always clear-cut. Some models may combine features of different
categories.

For example, a 2D model may include some three-dimensional effects.

Thermodynamics Models for Intake and Exhaust Flow Process:

Thermodynamics models are used to describe the behavior of fluids and gases,
including the processes of intake and exhaust flow in combustion modeling. These
models are based on the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, such as the
conservation of mass and energy.

One common type of thermodynamic model for intake and exhaust flow is the quasi-
steady flow model. This model assumes that the flow of gas through the intake and
exhaust valves is steady-state, meaning that the properties of the gas do not change
with time. This assumption is often justified for the intake and exhaust strokes of an
engine, where the flow of gas is relatively slow and the valves are open for a
relatively short period of time.

The quasi-steady flow model can be used to calculate the pressure, temperature,
and mass flow rate of the gas at various points in the intake and exhaust system.
The model also takes into account the effects of friction and heat transfer.
Another type of thermodynamic model for intake and exhaust flow is the filling and
emptying model. This model assumes that the intake and exhaust manifolds are
filled and emptied with gas during each engine cycle. The model takes into account
the effects of the valve timing, the piston speed, and the compressibility of the gas.

The filling and emptying model can be used to calculate the pressure, temperature,
and mass flow rate of the gas at various points in the intake and exhaust system.
The model can also be used to predict the volumetric efficiency of the engine, which
is a measure of how well the cylinders are filled with air during the intake stroke.

Thermodynamic models for intake and exhaust flow are used in a variety of
applications, including:

• Engine design: Thermodynamic models can be used to design new engines

and to improve the performance of existing engines.

• Engine control: Thermodynamic models can be used to develop engine

control strategies that optimize performance and fuel economy.

• Emissions modeling: Thermodynamic models can be used to predict the

emissions of pollutants from engines.

• Combustion modeling: Thermodynamic models are often used in conjunction

with other models to simulate the combustion process in engines.

Thermodynamic models for intake and exhaust flow are an important tool for the
design, development, and operation of internal combustion engines.

Examples of thermodynamic models for intake and exhaust flow in combustion

modeling:
• Wave equation model: This model is used to simulate the propagation of
pressure waves in the intake and exhaust manifolds.
• One-dimensional flow model: This model is used to simulate the flow of gas
through the intake and exhaust valves and manifolds.
• Three-dimensional flow model: This model is used to simulate the flow of gas
in the entire intake and exhaust system, including the cylinder head and ports.
Benefits of using thermodynamic models for intake and exhaust flow in combustion
modeling:
• Thermodynamic models can be used to predict the performance of an engine
before it is built, which can save time and money.
 • Thermodynamic models can be used to optimize the design of an engine for
specific performance or emissions targets.

• Thermodynamic models can be used to troubleshoot engine problems and to

develop solutions.

Challenges of using thermodynamic models for intake and exhaust flow in

combustion modeling:
• Thermodynamic models can be complex and computationally expensive to
run.

• Thermodynamic models require accurate input data, such as the geometry of

the intake and exhaust system and the properties of the working fluid.

• Thermodynamic models may need to be validated against experimental data

to ensure that they are accurate.

Overall, thermodynamic models are a valuable tool for the design, development, and
operation of internal combustion engines.

Quasi Steady Flow:

Quasi-steady flow is a type of unsteady flow in which the flow properties at a given
point in space change over time, but the average flow properties over a suitable time
period are constant. This type of flow is often used in combustion modeling because
it allows for a simplification of the problem while still retaining sufficient accuracy.

One example of quasi-steady flow in combustion modeling is the flow of fuel and air
into a combustion chamber. The flow of fuel and air into the chamber is unsteady,
but the average flow properties over a single combustion cycle are approximately
constant. This allows for the use of steady-state combustion models, which are much
simpler to solve than unsteady combustion models.

Another example of quasi-steady flow in combustion modeling is the combustion of a

fuel droplet. The combustion of a fuel droplet is a highly unsteady process, but the
average combustion rate of the droplet can be approximated using a quasi-steady
combustion model. This allows for the modeling of fuel droplet combustion in large-
scale combustion simulations, where it would be impractical to use a fully unsteady
combustion model.
Quasi-steady flow models are typically based on the assumption that the flow
properties at a given point in space change slowly in time compared to the
characteristic time scale of the combustion process. This assumption is often valid
for combustion processes, which typically occur on time scales of milliseconds or
longer.

There are a number of different quasi-steady flow models that can be used in
combustion modeling. The most common type of quasi-steady flow model is the
steady-state combustion model. Steady-state combustion models assume that the
flow properties at a given point in space are constant in time. This assumption is
often valid for combustors with a relatively steady flow of fuel and air.

Another type of quasi-steady flow model is the unsteady combustion model.

Unsteady combustion models account for the time-varying nature of the flow
properties. Unsteady combustion models are more complex than steady-state
combustion models, but they can be more accurate for combustors with a highly
unsteady flow.

Quasi-steady flow models are widely used in combustion modeling because they
offer a good balance between accuracy and simplicity. Quasi-steady flow models
can be used to model a wide range of combustion processes, including the
combustion of fuel droplets, sprays, and premixed gases.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using quasi-steady flow
models in combustion modeling:

Advantages:
• Quasi-steady flow models are simpler to solve than unsteady combustion
models, which can be a significant advantage for large-scale simulations.

• Quasi-steady flow models can be used to model a wide range of combustion

processes, including the combustion of fuel droplets, sprays, and premixed
gases.

• Quasi-steady flow models can be used to predict the average combustion rate
of fuel droplets, which is important for the design of combustion systems.

Disadvantages:
• Quasi-steady flow models may not be accurate for combustors with a highly
unsteady flow.
 • Quasi-steady flow models may not be accurate for combustion processes that
occur on time scales of microseconds or less.

Overall, quasi-steady flow models are a valuable tool for combustion modeling. They
offer a good balance between accuracy and simplicity, and they can be used to
model a wide range of combustion processes.

Filling and emptying in combustion modelling is the process of simulating the flow of
air and fuel into and out of the combustion chamber of an engine. This is an
important part of combustion modelling because it affects the performance and
emissions of the engine.

There are two main approaches to filling and emptying modelling:

• Quasi-linear models: These models simplify the flow of air and fuel into and
out of the combustion chamber by assuming that it is a linear process. This
makes the models easier to solve computationally, but they can be less
accurate than more detailed models.
• Filling and emptying models: These models are more detailed than quasi-
linear models and take into account the non-linear effects of the flow of air
and fuel. This makes them more accurate, but they are also more
computationally expensive to solve.

Filling and emptying models are used to predict a variety of engine parameters,
including:

• The amount of air and fuel that enters the combustion chamber

• The temperature and pressure of the air and fuel mixture

• The flow of air and fuel inside the combustion chamber

• The emissions of the engine

Filling and emptying models are used in a variety of applications, including:

• Engine design and development

• Engine control system development

• Engine diagnostics and troubleshooting

 • Emission research

Examples of Filling and Emptying Models

Some examples of filling and emptying models include:

• GT-Power: GT-Power is a commercial software package that is used to

simulate the performance of gas turbines, diesel engines, and other
combustion engines. GT-Power includes a detailed filling and emptying model
that can be used to predict the flow of air and fuel into and out of the
combustion chamber.
• Ricardo WAVE: Ricardo WAVE is another commercial software package that
is used to simulate the performance of combustion engines. Ricardo WAVE
also includes a detailed filling and emptying model that can be used to predict
the flow of air and fuel into and out of the combustion chamber.
• AVL BOOST: AVL BOOST is a commercial software package that is used to
simulate the performance of combustion engines. AVL BOOST also includes
a detailed filling and emptying model that can be used to predict the flow of air
and fuel into and out of the combustion chamber.

Challenges of Filling and Emptying Modelling:

One of the main challenges of filling and emptying modelling is the complexity of the
flow of air and fuel into and out of the combustion chamber. The flow is affected by a
variety of factors, including the geometry of the combustion chamber, the valve
timing, and the operating conditions of the engine.

Another challenge of filling and emptying modelling is the need for accurate input
data. The models require data on the geometry of the combustion chamber, the
valve timing, and the operating conditions of the engine. This data can be difficult to
obtain, and it can be expensive to measure.

Future of Filling and Emptying Modelling

In the future, filling and emptying models are expected to become more accurate and
efficient. This will be due to advances in computer hardware and software, as well as
improved understanding of the flow of air and fuel into and out of the combustion
chamber.
More accurate and efficient filling and emptying models will be able to be used to
design better engines, develop better engine control systems, and diagnose and
troubleshoot engine problems more effectively.

Conclusion

Filling and emptying modelling is an important part of combustion modelling. Filling

and emptying models are used to predict a variety of engine parameters, including
the amount of air and fuel that enters the combustion chamber, the temperature and
pressure of the air and fuel mixture, the flow of air and fuel inside the combustion
chamber, and the emissions of the engine.

Filling and emptying models are used in a variety of applications, including engine
design and development, engine control system development, engine diagnostics
and troubleshooting, and emission research.

One of the main challenges of filling and emptying modelling is the complexity of the
flow of air and fuel into and out of the combustion chamber. Another challenge is the
need for accurate input data.

In the future, filling and emptying models are expected to become more accurate and
efficient. This will be due to advances in computer hardware and software, as well as
improved understanding of the flow of air and fuel into and out of the combustion
chamber.

More accurate and efficient filling and emptying models will be able to be used to
design better engines, develop better engine control systems, and diagnose and
troubleshoot engine problems more effectively.

Gas Dynamic Models:

Gas dynamic models are used in combustion modelling to describe the flow of gases
and the associated transport of energy and mass. They are based on the
conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy, which are applied to a
control volume. The control volume can be a fixed region in space, or it can be a
moving boundary, such as the flame front.
Gas dynamic models are typically used to model the following aspects of
combustion:

• Flow field: The flow field describes the velocity, pressure, and density of the
gases at each point in space. It is important to model the flow field accurately
in order to predict the flame propagation speed and the distribution of heat
and species in the combustion chamber.
• Transport: The transport models describe how heat, mass, and momentum
are transported between different parts of the flow field. The most important
transport mechanisms in combustion are convection, diffusion, and radiation.
• Chemistry: The chemistry models describe the chemical reactions that occur
in the flame. These reactions are typically modeled using a set of differential
equations that describe the rates of change of the concentrations of the
different species involved.

Gas dynamic models are used in a variety of combustion applications, including:

• Internal combustion engines: Gas dynamic models are used to design and
optimize internal combustion engines, such as those used in cars and trucks.
The models are used to predict the performance of the engine and to identify
areas where improvements can be made.
• Gas turbines: Gas dynamic models are also used to design and optimize gas
turbines, which are used to generate electricity. The models are used to
predict the performance of the turbine and to ensure that it operates safely.
• Aerospace propulsion systems: Gas dynamic models are used to design and
optimize aerospace propulsion systems, such as jet engines and rocket
engines. The models are used to predict the performance of the engine and to
ensure that it can withstand the extreme conditions encountered in flight.

In addition to these applications, gas dynamic models are also used in a variety of
other research and development activities related to combustion. For example, they
are used to study the fundamental physics of combustion and to develop new
combustion technologies.

Here are some specific examples of how gas dynamic models are used in
combustion modelling:
 • Predicting the flame propagation speed: The flame propagation speed is an
important parameter in combustion systems, as it determines the rate at
which the flame will spread and the amount of heat that will be released. Gas
dynamic models can be used to predict the flame propagation speed by
solving the conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy for the
flame front.
• Predicting the distribution of heat and species in the combustion chamber:
The distribution of heat and species in the combustion chamber is important
for determining the performance of the system and for emissions control. Gas
dynamic models can be used to predict the distribution of heat and species by
solving the conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy for the
entire combustion chamber.
• Designing and optimizing combustion systems: Gas dynamic models can be
used to design and optimize combustion systems by predicting the
performance of the system under different operating conditions. For example,
the models can be used to identify the optimal fuel-air ratio or to design a
combustion chamber that minimizes emissions.

Overall, gas dynamic models are a powerful tool for understanding and predicting
the behavior of combustion systems. They are used in a variety of applications,
including internal combustion engines, gas turbines, and aerospace propulsion
systems.

Thermodynamic based in Cylinder Models for SI Engine and CI

Engines:

SI Engines:

Thermodynamic-based in-cylinder models for spark-ignition (SI) engines are used to

predict the combustion process and its effects on engine performance. These
models are based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics, as well as the
ideal gas law. They divide the cylinder into a number of zones, each with its own
thermodynamic properties. The models then track the energy and mass transfer
between the zones, as well as the heat transfer between the cylinder and the
surrounding environment.

One of the simplest thermodynamic-based in-cylinder models is the single-zone

model. This model assumes that the entire cylinder has uniform thermodynamic
properties. It is relatively easy to implement, but it can be inaccurate, especially for
predicting the combustion process in modern SI engines, which have complex
combustion chambers and turbulent flow patterns.

A more accurate thermodynamic-based in-cylinder model is the two-zone model.

This model divides the cylinder into an unburned zone and a burned zone. The
unburned zone contains the fresh air-fuel mixture, while the burned zone contains
the combustion products. The model tracks the energy and mass transfer between
the two zones, as well as the heat transfer between the cylinder and the surrounding
environment.

Multi-zone models divide the cylinder into even more zones, such as a flame zone, a
reaction zone, and a quenching zone. These models are more accurate than single-
zone and two-zone models, but they are also more complex to implement and
require more computational resources.

Thermodynamic-based in-cylinder models are used for a variety of purposes,

including:

• Predicting engine performance under different operating conditions, such as

speed, load, and fuel-air ratio.

• Designing new combustion chambers and piston shapes to improve engine

performance and fuel efficiency.

• Calibrating engine control units (ECUs) to optimize engine performance and

emissions.

Thermodynamic-based in-cylinder models are an important tool for engineers who

design, develop, and improve SI engines.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of thermodynamic-based in-

cylinder models for SI engine combustion modeling:

Advantages:
• Relatively simple to implement (compared to CFD models)

• Can be used to predict engine performance under a variety of operating

conditions

• Can be used to design new combustion chambers and piston shapes

 • Can be used to calibrate ECUs

Disadvantages:
• Can be inaccurate, especially for predicting the combustion process in
modern SI engines

• Requires detailed knowledge of the engine geometry and operating conditions

• Can be computationally expensive, especially for multi-zone models

Overall, thermodynamic-based in-cylinder models are a valuable tool for engineers

who design, develop, and improve SI engines. They offer a good balance between
accuracy and computational cost.

CI Engines:

Thermodynamic based in-cylinder models for compression ignition (CI)

engines in combustion modeling are used to predict the combustion process
of fuel-air mixtures in a CI engine cylinder. These models are based on the
conservation of mass, energy, and momentum equations, as well as the ideal
gas law.

There are three main types of thermodynamic based in-cylinder models for CI
engines:

• Single-zone models: These models divide the cylinder into a single

zone and assume that the properties of the working fluid are uniform
throughout the zone. Single-zone models are the simplest type of
thermodynamic model, but they are also the least accurate.
• Two-zone models: These models divide the cylinder into two zones: a
burned zone and an unburned zone. The properties of the working fluid
are assumed to be uniform within each zone, but they can vary
between the two zones. Two-zone models are more accurate than
single-zone models, but they are also more complex.
• Multi-zone models: These models divide the cylinder into multiple
zones, each with its own unique properties of the working fluid. Multi-
zone models are the most accurate type of thermodynamic model, but
they are also the most complex.

Thermodynamic based in-cylinder models are used to predict a variety of

combustion parameters, including:

• Cylinder pressure: The pressure inside the cylinder as a function of

crank angle.
• Cylinder temperature: The temperature inside the cylinder as a function
of crank angle.
 • Mass burn rate: The rate at which fuel is burned inside the cylinder as
a function of crank angle.
• Heat release rate: The rate at which heat is released from the
combustion of fuel inside the cylinder as a function of crank angle.
• Emissions: The emission of pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx)
and particulate matter (PM), from the combustion of fuel inside the
cylinder.

Thermodynamic based in-cylinder models are used for a variety of purposes,

including:

• Engine design and development: Thermodynamic models can be used

to design and develop new CI engines, as well as to optimize the
performance and emissions of existing CI engines.
• Engine control: Thermodynamic models can be used to develop engine
control strategies that improve the performance and emissions of CI
engines.
• Fuel formulation: Thermodynamic models can be used to develop new
fuel formulations that improve the performance and emissions of CI
engines.

Thermodynamic based in-cylinder models are a valuable tool for

understanding and improving the combustion process in CI engines. These
models are used by engineers and scientists to design and develop new
engines, to optimize the performance and emissions of existing engines, and
to develop new fuel formulations.

Here is an example of how a thermodynamic based in-cylinder model can be

used to predict the combustion process in a CI engine:

A single-zone thermodynamic model can be used to predict the cylinder

pressure in a CI engine as a function of crank angle. The model assumes that
the properties of the working fluid are uniform throughout the cylinder. The
model also assumes that the combustion process is instantaneous and that
the heat release rate is proportional to the mass burn rate.

The model is initialized with the known conditions at the start of combustion,
such as the cylinder pressure, temperature, and mass of fuel in the cylinder.
The model then calculates the cylinder pressure at each crank angle
increment by solving the following equation:

dP/dφ = -γ(P - P_e) - m_b/V * γ(P - P_0)

where:

• P is the cylinder pressure

 • φ is the crank angle
• γ is the specific heat ratio
• P_e is the pressure at the end of expansion
• m_b is the mass burn rate
• V is the cylinder volume
• P_0 is the pressure at the start of combustion

The model calculates the mass burn rate using a pre-defined combustion
model. The combustion model can be as simple as a Wiebe function or as
complex as a detailed chemical kinetics model.

Once the cylinder pressure has been calculated at each crank angle
increment, the model can be used to calculate other combustion parameters,
such as the cylinder temperature, heat release rate, and emissions.

Thermodynamic based in-cylinder models are a powerful tool for

understanding and improving the combustion process in CI engines. These
models are used by engineers and scientists to design and develop new
engines, to optimize the performance and emissions of existing engines, and
to develop new fuel formulations.