Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine technology has been an area of rapidly increasing research interest for the past 15 years and appears poised for commercialisation through the efforts of international research institutions and manufacturers alike. In spite of significant worldwide research efforts on numerous aspects of this technology, the need still exists for accurate and computationally efficient fuel auto-ignition models capable of predicting the heat release dynamics of two-stage auto-ignition, especially for full boiling range fuels, sensitive to the effects of pressure, temperature, fuel equivalence ratio and inert dilution.
This study was the first of a two part investigation in which analysis of published alkane fuel oxidation kinetic schematics, detailed fuel auto-ignition behavioural studies and critical evaluation of existing global model formulations (Part 1) provided insight for the formulation of a new functional global auto-ignition model (Part 2).
Part 1 was conducted by focussing on three inter-relating aspects:
- 1
Published literature relating to the modelling of hydrocarbon chemical kinetics was reviewed and analysed in detail including schematics of alkane combustion chemical kinetics.
- 2
The basic observable characteristics of fuel auto-ignition reactions were systematically studied using detailed chemical kinetic simulations as being closely representative of the real-life physical and chemical phenomena.
- 3
Existing global auto-ignition models were critically evaluated in comparison with the functional requirements identified in the auto-ignition behavioural study.
Part 1 therefore provides foundational insights and functional requirements for the modelling of fuel auto-ignition for application in the study of HCCI engines.
