Numerical Analysis of Swirl Control Strategies in a Four Valve HSDI Diesel Engine

Recent four value HSDI Diesel engines are able to control the swirl intensity, in order to enhance the in-cylinder flow field at partial load without decreasing breathing capabilities at full load. Making reference to a current production engine, the purpose of this paper is to envestiage the influence of port design and flow-control strategies on both engine permeability and in-cylinder flow field. Using previously validated models, 3-D CFD simulations of the intake and compression strokes are performed in order to predict the in-cylinder flow patterns originated by the different configurations. The comparison between the two configurations in terms of airflow at full load indicates that Geometry 2 can trap 3.03% more air than Geometry 1, while the swirl intensity at IVC is reduced (−30%). The closure of one intake valve (the left one) is very effective to enhance the swirl intensity at partial load: the Swirl Ratio at IVC passes from 0.7 to 2.6 for Geometry 1, while for Geometry 2 it varies from 0.4 to 2.9.