Numerical Studies on the Combustion and Liquid Fuel Films Characteristics with the Dependence on Injection and Spark Timing of GDI Engine

GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine can be one of the solutions to increase the fuel efficiency and reduce NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions. The LFF (liquid fuel film) formation within the engine cylinder due to direct injection is an impediment to both fuel efficiency and environment problems. To achieve the proper operating conditions, liquid fuel film formation and combustion characteristics in the cylinder of GDI engine must be investigated.

The numerical simulations for the characteristics of GDI engine including the effect of both fuel injection and spark timing have been carried out to optimize the liquid fuel film phenomenon and combustion characteristics. In this study, 3D unsteady Eularian-Langrangian two-phase model was used to obtain an optimal operating condition of a GDI engine by using S/W STAR-CD (CD-adapco). The κ-ε/RNG model was used as a turbulence model. Simulation results indicate the flow field and mixture distribution inside the cylinder to obtain subsequent combustion and emission characteristics. Moreover, conditions minimizing the amount of LFF within cylinder have been suggested.