Description of a Semi-Independent Time Discretization Methodology for a One-Dimensional Gas Dynamics Model

Modeling has become an essential technique in design and optimization processes of internal combustion engines. As a consequence, the development of accurate modeling tools is, in this moment, an important research topic. In this paper, a gas-dynamics modeling tool is presented. The model is able to reproduce the global behavior of complete engines. This paper emphasizes an innovative feature: the independent time discretization of ducts. It is well known that 1D models solve the flow through the duct by means of finite difference methods in which a stability requirement limits the time step depending on the mesh size. Thus, the use of small ducts in some parts of the engine reduces the speed of the calculation. The model presented solves this limitation due to the independent calculation for each element. The different elements of the engine are calculated following their own stability criterion and a global manager of the model interconnects them. This new structure provides time saving of up to 50% depending on the engine configuration.