Neerav Abani

Reduction of Numerical Parameter Dependencies in Diesel Spray Models

Numerical grid and time-step-dependencies of Discrete Droplet Lagrangian spray models are identified. The two main sources of grid-dependency are due to errors in predicting the droplet-gas relative velocity, and errors in describing droplet-droplet collision and coalescence processes. For reducing grid-dependency due to the relative velocity effects, gas jet theory is proposed and applied to model diesel sprays. For the time-step dependency, it is identified that the collision sub-model results in drop size variation in the standard spray model. A proposed spray model based on the gas-jet theory is found to improve the time-step independency also along with the mesh independency. The use of both Eulerian (collision mesh) and Lagrangian (radius of influence) collision models along with gas-jet theory is found to provide mesh-independent results.Copyright

Unsteady turbulent round jets and vortex motion

A new model to predict the velocity distribution in round jets with time-varying injection profiles has been formulated as an extension of steady jet theory. The approach introduces an effective injection velocity within the jet based on a representative response time. It is assumed that the instantaneous injection velocity affects the velocity within the jet with an exponential response function and that the response time is related to the fluid particle’s residence time within the jet, consistent with the theory of translation of jet vortex rings from Helmholtz’s vortex motion analysis [P. G. Tait, London Edinburgh Dublin Philos. Mag. J. Sci. 33, 485 (1867)]. The Helmholtz theory is also shown to reduce to the well-known velocity decay rate in the case of steady turbulent gas jets. A Duhamel superposition integral is used to determine the effective injection velocity for time-varying injection rates. The model is tested with different injection profiles and different ambient densities. The results are a...

Gaseous Fuel Injection Modeling Using a Gaseous Sphere Injection Methodology

The growing interest in gaseous fuels (hydrogen and natural gas) for internal combustion engines calls for the development of computer models for simulation of gaseous fuel injection, air entrainment and the ensuing combustion. This paper introduces a new method for modeling the injection and air entrainment processes for gaseous fuels. The model uses a gaseous sphere injection methodology, similar to liquid droplet in injection techniques used for liquid fuel injection. In this paper, the model concept is introduced and model results are compared with correctly- and under-expanded experimental data.

Diesel engine emissions and combustion predictions using advanced mixing models applicable to fuel sprays

An advanced mixing model was applied to study engine emissions and combustion with different injection strategies ranging from multiple injections, early injection and grouped-hole nozzle injection in light and heavy duty diesel engines. The model was implemented in the KIVA-CHEMKIN engine combustion code and simulations were conducted at different mesh resolutions. The model was compared with the standard KIVA spray model that uses the Lagrangian-Drop and Eulerian-Fluid (LDEF) approach, and a Gas Jet spray model that improves predictions of liquid sprays. A Vapor Particle Method (VPM) is introduced that accounts for sub-grid scale mixing of fuel vapor and more accurately and predicts the mixing of fuel-vapor over a range of mesh resolutions. The fuel vapor is transported as particles until a certain distance from nozzle is reached where the local jet half-width is adequately resolved by the local mesh scale. Within this distance the vapor particle is transported while releasing fuel vapor locally, as determined by a weighting factor. The VPM model more accurately predicts fuel-vapor penetrations for early cycle injections and flame lift-off lengths for late cycle injections. Engine combustion computations show that as compared to the standard KIVA and Gas Jet spray models, the VPM spray model improves predictions of in-cylinder pressure, heat released rate and engine emissions of NOx, CO and soot with coarse mesh resolutions. The VPM spray model is thus a good tool for efficiently investigating diesel engine combustion with practical mesh resolutions, thereby saving computer time.

Large Eddy Simulations and Experimental Investigation of Flow in a Swirl Stabilized Combustor

Swirling flows are the preferred mode of flame stabilization in lean premixed gas turbine engine combustors. Developing a fundamental understanding of combustion dynamics and flame stability in such systems requires a detailed investigation of the complex interactions between fluid mechanics and combustion. The turbulent reacting flow in a sudden expansion swirl combustor is studied using compressible large eddy simulations (LES) and compared with experimental data measured using PIV. Different vortex breakdown structures are observed, as the mixture equivalence ratio is reduced, that progressively diminish the stability of the flame. Sub)grid scale combustion models such as the artificially thickened flame method and the partially stirred reactor approach, along with appropriate chemical schemes, are implemented to describe the flame. The numerical predictions for average velocity correspond well with experimental results, and higher accuracy is obtained using the more detailed reaction mechanism.