CFD Consulting Services

Detailed Fan Analysis

Purpose: Utilizing existing underhood models and grids, a highly detailed fan region can be placed in a model, to capture the flowfield features generated by the particular fan design and the surrounding installation.

Method: Wrap grids around the fan blades, combined with block structured grids, followed by an simple layer extrusion provides the framework for this model generation. With this method of model generation, changes to blade shape, orientation, count, and design can be easily modified in-situ in the CFD model during the analysis cycle.

Outcome: Cell connectivity is achieved through arbitrary matching of the fan region to the main underhood model. Implicit coupling of the rotating reference frame to the static frame, or actual transient analysis can provide the numerical solution method.

In-Cylinder Moving Mesh Transient

Purpose: Transient in-cylinder flow analysis for intake and compression stroke of a 5 valve direct injected gasoline engine.

Method: The objective of this analysis was to understand the flow features in the cylinder with regards to the piston shape.  Dynamic movement of the piston valves required changes in mesh connectivity and position. As the volume dictates, new layers of cells were added or deleted to retain suitable mesh density.

Outcome: To facilitate new piston geometry geometries, separate mesh topologies were utilized for the cylinder and piston geometry. The connectivity between the two regions was accomplished through an arbitrary sliding interface. Calculation of the tumble, swirl, and tracking of the fresh charge were of primary concern.

Coolant Circuit Analysis

Purpose: Determine thermostat response to a wide range of coolant circuit operating conditions.

Method: By utilizing 2D methods for the cylinder banks, radiator and heater core, a simplified model of the coolant circuit could be established. Sample runs were made using detailed coolant flow models to develop the 2D relationships for he cylinder banks.

Outcome: This detailed 3D grid for the thermostat, pump, and coolant feed tubes were built and coupled to the 2D components. Variation in the position of the thermostat main valve as well as the pressure actuated secondary vale were studied along with their effects on the complete coolant system.