Numerical Simulations

A large part of our activity is the development of simulation tools for engine optimization. For SI-engines, the group has developed a multi-zone thermodynamic engine model in-house, the guest code (for Ghent University Engine Simulation Tool), which is coupled to commercial software to simulate gas dynamics in the intake and exhaust stroke.

For CI-engines, the numerical work focuses on the spray formation. Today, simulation of sprays is still a very difficult and complex process. Multi-zone modeling reduces the calculation time by reducing the dimensions of the considered process in the first place. Our approach is to make some assumptions (symmetry, ...) and reduce the spray process to a one dimensional phenomenon.