New software model to help engine makers meet diesel soot standards

Simulation enables engineers to predict particulate formation early in the design process.

Researchers can now model in detail the average size and number of soot particles that an internal-combustion engine will produce as it operates, a feat that was previously impossible. Such a new simulation capability will provide a boost to the engineers and fuel chemists who are now working to ensure that next-generation passenger car engines-in particular, diesels-can meet strict new European and U.S. regulatory limits on particulate emissions.

The key modeling advance is the result of six years of cooperative research and experimental validation work by the Model Fuels Consortium (MFC), a collaboration of engine manufacturers, energy companies, universities, and national laboratories that was established in 2005 to speed the development of software tools and databases that could streamline the design of cleaner-burning transportation engines and fuels.