DESIGN TOOLS
The CHEMKIN HCCI engine simulation in a parameters study varying engine compression ratio, used to determine critical compression
ratio (where auto-ignition occurs), which is correlated to RON and MON of the fuel mixture (left). The particle tracking module of the
Reaction Design software allows prediction of particle size distributions and number in reacting flows, based on detailed kinetics describ-
ing particle nucleation, growth and reduction (right).
Simulation is an increasingly critical
part of the combustion chamber
design workflow. The goal is to maximize efficiency and power while minimizing emissions. With CFD simulations, the effects of injector design and
locations and combustion geometry
can be determined. Then tests are
conducted to determine emissions,
combustion stability and fuel effects.
However, according to Reaction Design, there is a growing gap in the
workflow between CFD simulation and
testing that cannot be ignored. This is
where its products come into play.
The CHEMKIN 4. 1 software package is designed as a stand-alone program for solving complex chemical
kinetics problems through modeling.
It allows engineers to integrate clean
technology into a combustion chamber design and model the results. The
program consists of rigorous gas-phase and gas-surface chemical
kinetics in a variety of reactor models
that can be used to represent the specific set of systems of interest.
“CHEMKIN is our flagship product,”
said Rosenthal. “Basically it’s a tool
that allows for the visualization of
chemical reactions. It allows that visualization to guide design attributes
that are driving redesigns of combustion systems today. These attributes
are chemical in nature.”
The new CHEMKIN 4. 1 module
includes a Parameter Study facility
that provides engineers with the ability
to automate multiple runs and consider the effects of input variables. It also
now includes an all-new post-proces-sor that allows the performance of
more complex analysis of results. The
software is also compatible with the
