To improve the performance of particle image velocimetry in measuring instantaneous velocity fields, direct cross-correlation of image fields can be used in place of auto-correlation methods of interrogation of double- or multiple-exposure recordings. With improved speed of photographic recording and increased resolution of video array detectors, cross-correlation methods of interrogation of successive single-exposure frames can be used to measure the separation of pairs of particle images between successive frames. By knowing the extent of image shifting used in a multiple-exposure and by a priori knowledge of the mean flow-field, the cross-correlation of different sized interrogation spots with known separation can be optimized in terms of spatial resolution, detection rate, accuracy and reliability.

Theory of cross-correlation analysis of PIV images : Image analysis as measuring technique in flows

The effects of tumble and swirl flows on flame propagation in a four-valve S.I. engine

Energy efficient piston configuration for effective air motion – A CFD study

Effects of tumble combined with EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) on the combustion and emissions in a spark ignition engine at part loads

The performance, efficiency and emissions of internal combustion (IC) engines are affected by the thermo-viscous boundary layer region and heat transfer. Computational models for the prediction of engine performance typically rely on equilibrium wall-function models to overcome the need for resolving the viscous boundary layer structure. The wall shear stress and heat flux are obtained as boundary conditions for the outer flow calculation. However, these equilibrium wall-function models are typically derived by considering canonical flow configurations, introducing substantial modeling assumptions that are not necessarily justified for in-cylinder flows. The objective of this work is to assess the validity of several model approximations that are commonly introduced in the development of wall-function models for IC-engine applications. This examination is performed by considering crank-angle resolved high-resolution micro-particle image velocimetry (µ-PIV) measurements in a spark-ignition direct-injection single cylinder engine. Using these measurements, the performance of an algebraic equilibrium wall-function model commonly used in RANS and LES IC-engine simulations is evaluated. By identifying shortcomings of this model, a non-equilibrium differential wall model is developed and two different closures are considered for the determination of the turbulent viscosity. It is shown that both wall models provide adequate predictions if applied inside the viscous sublayer. However, the equilibrium wall-function model consistently underpredicts the shear stress if applied in the log-layer. In contrast, the non-equilibrium wall model provides improved predictions of the near-wall region and shear stress irrespective of the wall distance and the piston location. By utilizing the experimental data, significant adverse pressure gradients due to the large vortical motion inside the cylinder (induced by tumble, swirl and turbulence) are observed and included in the non-equilibrium wall model to further improve the model performance. These investigations are complemented by developing a consistent wall heat transfer model, and simulation results are compared against the equilibrium wall-function model and Woschni’s empirical correlation.

W.Y. Hsu

Papers

Topological flow evolutions in cylinder of a motored engine during intake and compression strokes