Vortex Simulation of the Induction and Compression Processes in an Engine Model

Results of the application of numerical simulation of the Navier-Stokes equations to the flow field inside a model of an internal combustion engine are presented. The numerical method is a hybrid vortex-finite element scheme, which combines the flexibility of finite element methods in handling complicated boundary conditions of the field equation, and the capability of vortex methods to reveal large scale convective structures at high Reynolds numbers. Moreover, it extends the application of vortex methods to compressible flows at low Mach number. At this stage, interest lies in predicting the flow structure within the cylinder during the intake and compression strokes. The effects of the piston geometry and the shape of the intake valve on the flow pattern are investigated. Qualitative comparisons with experimental data are discussed.