Progress on Modelling Engine Thermal Behaviour for VTMS Applications

A suite of computer programs for engine thermal analysis and the analysis of thermal interactions with external systems has been developed. Defining an engine design is made particularly simple and the representation generated agrees well with measured data. Engine geometry, mass, and internal coolant volume are determined from a short list of key parameters and the selection of a generic template. Thermal conditions in the engine structure are modelled numerically using the lumped-capacity method. Heat exchange at boundaries with gas, coolant and oil flows are described through sub-models giving good agreement with data for global characteristics of engine behaviour. The effects of spark timing and coolant composition on heat transfer rates are taken into account, as is the effect of frictional dissipation as a heat source. Validation and applications of the model are described.