Laboratory of Environmental and Thermal Engineering – (LETE/EPUSP) – University of São Paulo (USP)
Principal Researcher: Prof. Dr. Guenther Carlos Krieger Filho
Objectives
This sub-theme focuses on the study of fundamental formation of mixture (spray) and turbulent combustion of ethanol. In order to do this, state of the art methods both numerical and experimental are being applied. In the context of the proposed “Engineering Research Center”, this project will provide fundamental knowledge of the physical processes to support the design of new mixing systems and turbulent combustion of ethanol in internal combustion engines.
Various optical systems and experimental methods are being applied. Numerical solutions are being worked with CFD methods. It is important to note that the CFD models will be validated with the experimental data. Doing this, future spray and combustion design can be supported by CFD analysis.
Expected Results
The results will be used to validate the computational models. Once the models are validated, they can be applied to support the design of new mixture systems and combustion process.
The main results can be summarized as follows:
a) Experimental data for spray and mixture formation: Length of the spray at the air duct, Cone angle, Droplet velocities and size distribution, evaporation rate.
b) Experimental data for turbulent combustion of ethanol in Isovolumetric Combustion Chamber: Mixture formation and velocity fields; OH-spatial and temporal distribution inside the combustion chamber; Turbulent Time and Length scales; Damköhler and Karlovitz number; Turbulent flame regimes. These data will be obtained for both pre-mixed and non-premixed combustion, so that PFI and DI systems can be addressed.
c) Numerical Simulation with CFD: A computational CFD based model will be developed and validated with the experimental data described above. This computational model will have the features:
- Simulation of droplets distribution, velocities of both phases and evaporation rate in the air duct for PFI applications.
- Simulation of droplets distribution, velocities of both phases and evaporation rate in the cylinder for DI applications.
- Simulation of ethanol turbulent combustion for both pre-mixed and non-premixed regimes.