Mathematical Modeling of a Balanced Canister Purge Solenoid Valve

This paper describes the development of a dedicated multi-physics solver, developed using a Fortran compiler. It simulates the behavior of a Balanced Canister Purge Solenoid valve.

Although FEA can contribute to the development of a product it is not always possible to rely solely on this type of tool for help since it may not deliver all that is required, depending on the product and the environment. A more innovative approach has found some success in addressing the math-modeling needs of an advanced design group at this manufacturing facility. It involves the use of a more versatile tool, which places the emphasis on real time monitoring of combined physical phenomenon as opposed to steady-state or transient analysis of a single phenomenon. This type of tool has been called multi-physics (MP) or multi-technology¹ modeling and can be implemented several ways. One way includes the use of structured codes such as Fortran or C++ to produce a dedicated solver. Specialized packages are also available such as Simulink or Saber. The advantage offered by this type of modeling is the flexibility to do transient analysis on a product or system, which incorporates a comprehensive array of physics. Although FEA/CFD tools can do transient analysis to some extent, it is difficult if not impossible to use these for multi-physics problems, which include effects such as magnetic fields, kinetics, thermal gradients and flowing fluid all at the same time.