Numerical Model of Spray Combustion in a Single Cylinder Diesel Engine

A numerical model is developed for predicting the pressure cycle from Intake Valve Closing (IVC) to the Exhaust Valve Opening (EVO) events. The model is based on a modified one-dimensional (1D) Musculus and Kattke spray model, coupled with a zero-dimensional (0D) non-adiabatic transient Fed-Batch reactor model. The 1D spray model provides an estimate of the fuel evaporation rate during the injection phenomenon, as a function of time. The 0D Fed-Batch reactor model describes combustion. The main goal of adopting a 0D (perfectly stirred) model is to use highly detailed reaction mechanisms for Diesel fuel combustion in air, while keeping the computational cost as low as possible. The proposed model is validated by comparing its predictions with experimental data of pressure obtained from an optical single cylinder Diesel engine.