3D CFD Analysis of an Abnormally Rapid Combustion Phenomenon in Downsized Gasoline Engines

Abstract

Soaring oil prices combined with increased environmental awareness maintain the drive for fuel-efficient and CO2-friendly powertrains. Even if hybrids seem to be the media friendly solution, there is still much work to be done on combustion systems. For gasoline engines aggressive downsizing seems promising and IFP proposes an innovative approach. However, new difficulties arise as specific power outputs are increased. Various combustion phenomena are encountered from simple knock to rumble and must be understood and mastered in order to fully optimize the combustion system. Abnormally rapid yet non destructive and seemingly stable combustion is one of these new phenomena. 3D CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation tools were used in order to investigate and understand what lies behind this particular combustion. © 2009, Institut français du pétrole.