One Dimensional Modeling of Catalyst for Internal Combustion Engine Simulation

The aim of this paper consists of establishing a methodology for oxidation catalyst modeling based on experimental tests and the development of a theoretical model with zero and one dimensional elements. Related to the theoretical work, the main aspects of such modeling are presented. It consists of describing the inner catalyst geometry by a combination of volumes and simple pipes network. The gas properties in volumes are calculated with a filling and emptying approach whereas the unsteady flow in pipes elements is considered to be one-dimensional and solved by using a finite difference scheme. Concerning the experimental tests, a study is carried out on a shock tube bench. The advantage of this experimental test bench is to study the propagation of a shock wave in the catalyst under controlled and convenient conditions, i.e. cold and non steady flow. Later, the model is set up by comparing the upstream and downstream pressure signals with the simulation results. Since the model lacks of relevant information of pressure losses at the inlet and outlet of the channels, which are rather difficult to compute due to the complex phenomena and flow maldistributions if the use of a 3D CFD code is avoided, the calibration of the model to match the experimental data is the decided approach. In this context, the shock wave test bench is used in order to excite the catalyst with non-steady flow conditions rather than to reproduce the conditions that will appear in real engine operation. The comparison shows good agreement between one-dimensional and experimental results. In order to validate this new modeling on a real engine configuration, an experimental validation is carried out in a four-stroke turbocharged Diesel engine. This experimental test bench allows to measure the main engine characteristics and performance as well as the instantaneous pressure upstream and downstream the catalyst. A simulation code has been also set up to model the engine and the comparison in terms of exhaust pressure pulses propagation inside the catalyst shows good agreement between the one-dimensional model and the experimental results.