In-cylinder cold flow simulation using a finite element method Original Research Article

This paper presents a numerical strategy based on the finite element method for solving unsteady flows without combustion inside an operating engine cylinder. A compressible flow solver that can withstand highly distorted elements is presented. A robust mesh deformation procedure capable of handling the large valve and piston motions and deforming the unstructured mesh accordingly is then described. Turbulence is added through a one-equation model. The proposed strategy is applied to a three-dimensional realistic problem. Results are presented for the exhaust, intake and compression strokes of the cylinder operation.