Both require 3D models, multiphase flows, close interactions between physical and chemical processes, high-end computational resources, more than a million computational nodes, massively parallel computers, and other features as well. Simulation Center for Automotive Engine Design Background Large scale computational modeling of chemically reacting fluid flow in the combustion chambers of diesel and spark-ignition engines has been pursued for more than twenty years, with significant impact on practical engine design. There is an extensive history of multidisciplinary research that has combined large scale computational modeling with experimental research. Although engine modeling has been used for some years, important current problems require 3D simulations. The fundamental physical processes important in engine combustion begin with computational fluid dynamics with compressible or variable density turbulence as the dominant mixing process.
Serious gaps exist in our ability to describe turbulence phenomena.
Engine combustion models involve a complex, interactive mixture of different physical and chemical processes. In addition, close coupling of the fluid dynamics and the energy release processes are extremely important in the engine. The physical volume is three dimensional, with intake and exhaust valves or ports at specified locations and with variable dimensions. This volume varies with time, as pistons and valves move. The mass included in the computational volume also varies as fuel and air are introduced through intake ports, valves or injectors.