Analysis of in-cylinder pressure oscillation and its effect on wall heat transfer

In-cylinder pressure oscillations in internal combustion engines have been associated with increased heat losses and damages to the engine components. The links between the acoustic waves and the increased heat transfer (and potentially ensuing engine damages) have not yet been well understood. In this study, a high-fidelity large eddy simulation model incorporating an auto-ignition model is used to simulate the combustion process and the associated pressure oscillation at various engine operating conditions. The study serves to develop a better understanding of the acoustic waves in a combustion chamber and their effect on wall heat transfer. First, a simplified model of the pressure oscillations is proposed and shown to accurately characterize the pressure in the combustion chamber. Second, the simplified pressure model and acoustic theory are leveraged to develop a model of the in-cylinder gas velocities. Finally, a heat transfer model is presented that takes into consideration the pressure/velocity oscillations and the inherent acoustic properties of the trapped gas. The increase in heat transfer is shown to primarily stem from an increased heat transfer coefficient due to the velocity oscillations of the trapped gas. The results are consistent with previously observed experimental measurements of the heat flux in the presence of pressure oscillations.