The LES research simulation code AVBP has been updated during the project to yield a tool able to perform LES simulations of spark-ignited engines. The result is a high performance parallel simulation code able to treat moving, complex meshes with unstructured mesh logic.
It includes specifically developed LES models for turbulence (subgrid kinetic energy model with wall laws), premixed combustion (the ECFM-LES model with submodels for spark-ignition and flame/wall interaction), as well as results achieved by associated project partners like automatic mesh management, a methodology for including kinetic schemes in a CPU time efficient manner, an Eulerian model for liquid jets as well as adapted inflow boundary conditions.
This highly innovative tool is available to IFP for performing further research as well as commercial studies exploiting the potential of LES to predict unsteady engine phenomena like cold starts, cyclic variability etc.
Its potential for exploitation goes beyond the sector of automobiles and includes industrial domains like aeronautics and energy generation.
In this sense the envisaged tool can be expected to contribute towards making energy conversion by combustion more efficient and less polluting, which are major goals of EC funded research.