Multi-Dimensional Modeling and Simulation of Wall-Flow Diesel Particulate Filter During Loading and Regeneration

In the present work, a multi-dimensional model was developed for wall-flow diesel particulate filter (DPF). The flow and temperature fields of representative channels were obtained by solving conservation of mass, momentum and energy equations together with spherical unit collector model, which was used to predict the filtration behavior of porous media. 3-D Navier-Stokes equations were simplified by employing order of magnitude analysis based on typical DPF design. By assuming a similarity velocity profile in the cross flow directions, simplified 3-D Navier-Stokes equations were approximated by a set of one-dimensional conservation equations. They were then solved by combining shooting method and Runge-Kutta method. 3-D transient conservation of energy was solved using a modified ADI method to find the temperature distribution of the DPF. The model was validated by comparing numerical model results with analytical, numerical and experimental results in the literature. Good agreement was observed. Parametric studies of DPF during loading and regeneration as well as the effects of particulate loading on temperature during regeneration were carried out. This model can provide insight to the physical processes in the DPF and can be used as an engineering tool for DPF design.