Numerical Simulations of Directly Injected Natural Gas and Pilot Diesel Fuel in a Two-Stroke Compression Ignition Engine

Multidimensional simulations are being used to assist the development of a directly injected natural gas system for heavy-duty diesel engines. In this method of converting diesel engines to natural gas fueling, the gas injection takes place at high pressure at the end of the compression stroke. A small amount of pilot diesel fuel is injected prior to the natural gas to promote ignition. Both fuels are injected through a centrally located injector. The mathematical simulations are sought to provide a better understanding of the injection and combustion process of pilot-ignited directly-injected natural gas. The mathematical simulations are also expected to help optimize the injection process, looking in particular at the tip geometry and at the injection delay between the two fuels. The paper presents the mathematical model, which is based on the KIVA-II code. The model includes modifications for underexpanded natural gas jets, and includes a turbulent combustion model. Simulation results are compared to experimental results obtained on a DDC 6V-92 two-stroke diesel engine for both diesel fueling and natural gas fueling. The multidimensional model is seen to represent well the combustion pressures.