Computer Analysis of Fuel-Air Mixing and Combustion in an Axisymmetric D.I Diesel

Progress is described on the development of a multi-dimensional method for the prediction of the detailed in-cylinder events in a firing D.I. Diesel engine. An existing method incorporating fluid dynamics and spray representations is extended to include a combustion model, of a kind which allows in an approximate way for both chemical-kinetic and turbulence effects on the burning rate.

An example calculation is presented which demonstrates that, with appropriate adjustments to the empirical coefficients of the combustion model, the method produces qualitatively realistic predictions of the major phases of the combustion process, including ignition, premixed burning and diffusion burning. The results also serve to illustrate the usefulness of multidimensional methods in revealing the causes of inadequate performance.