Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of an Opposed-Piston Two-Stroke Gasoline Compression Ignition Engine

The paper describes the results from a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation campaign that is complementary to an ongoing experimental program to develop an opposed-piston (OP) two-stroke gasoline compression ignition (GCI) engine for application in light-duty trucks. The simulation workflow and results are explained. First, open-cycle 3-D CFD simulations (in Converge CFD) are performed to simulate the scavenging process—gas exchange through the intake ports, cylinder, and exhaust ports. The results from these scavenging calculations are then fed into a model of this engine built in the system-level simulation tool (in GT-POWER), which in turn provides initial conditions for closed-cycle 3-D CFD simulations. These simulations are used to assess combustion by employing standard spray models and a chemical kinetic mechanism for gasoline. Validation of a representative set of engine operating points is performed in this way to gain confidence in the CFD model setup. Six injectors were then screened according to metrics of wall-wetting, maximum pressure rise rate, combustion efficiency and emission levels. Further CFD simulations have been carried out with parameter sweeps applying design of experiments (DoE) methods to finalize on candidate injectors, piston-bowls and injection strategies. The intended outcome of this program is a three-cylinder OP GCI engine equipped with a turbocharger and a supercharger targeting a 30% improvement in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) over conventional light-duty diesel engines.