Second-Moment Closure Model for IC Engine Flow Simulation Using Kiva Code1

Abstract

The flow and turbulence in an IC engine cylinder were studied using the SSG variant of the Reynolds stress turbulence closure model. In-cylinder turbulence is characterized by strong turbulence anisotropy and flow rotation, which aid in air-fuel mixing. It is argued that solving the differential transport equations for each turbulent stress tensor component, as implied by second-moment closures, can better reproduce stress anisotropy and effects of rotation, than with eddy-viscosity models. Therefore, a Reynolds stress model that can meet the demands of in-cylinder flows was incorporated into an engine flow solver. The solver and SSG turbulence model were first successfully tested with two different validation cases. Finally, simulations were applied to IC-engine like geometries. The results showed that the Reynolds stress model predicted additional flow structures and yielded less diffusive profiles than those predicted by an eddy-viscosity model. [S0742-4795(00)00101-0]