Research

Chemical Kinetics Modeling in Engine Applications

GA Optimization of a Chemical Kinetic Mechanism (M.S. Student - Jiaqi Li)

In this work, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) approach was utilized to optimize a chemical kinetic mechanism for propane, targeting autoignition (i.e. knock) predictions in a high compression ratio, boosted, long-stroke SI engine. The overall objective of this DOE funded project was to design a high-efficiency LPG fueled engine with Diesel-like efficiency.

Modeling Pre-Spark Heat Release in a Boosted SI Engine

Here, engine operating conditions exhibiting pre-spark heat release (PSHR) were modeled using various literature kinetic mechanisms for gasoline surrogate fuels to evaluate end-gas thermodynamic state and composition leading up to autoigniting (knocking) conditions. Shortcomings in literature mechanisms with respect to low-temperature chemistry predictions were observed.

 Selected Publications

  • DelVescovo, D.A, Li, J., Chuahy, F.D.F., Splitter, D.A, Zhao, P., "Genetic Algorithm Optimization of a Chemical Kinetic Mechanism for Propane at Engine Relevant Conditions", Fuel 338 (2023), 127371
  • DelVescovo, D.A, Splitter, D.A., Szybist, J.P., Jatana, G.S., "Modeling Pre-Spark Heat Release and Low Temperature Chemistry of Iso-Octane in a Boosted Spark Ignition Engine", Combustion and Flame 212 (2020), 39-52

Modeling of the Cooperative Fuels Research (CFR) Engine

GT-Power Modeling of the CFR Engine under RON and MON Conditions (Ph.D. Student - Anvesh Reddy Vallapureddy, M.S. Student - Jiaqi Li)

Several research efforts have been conducted using a custom-built GT-Power model of the CFR engine validated against experimental engine data from Argonne National Laboratory, including defining the thermal and compositional boundary conditions under RON and MON test conditions, and investigating the feasibility of a Boosted Octane Number test.

 Selected Publications

  • Vallapureddy, A., Zhuang, H., Li, J., DelVescovo, D., Kolodziej, C. P., Hoth, A., “Defining the Boundary Conditions of the CFR Engine under MON Conditions, and Evaluating Chemical Kinetic Predictions at RON and MON for PRFs”, SAE Technical Paper 2021-01-0469, 2021
  • Pulpeiro Gonzalez, J., Waqas, M. U., Kolodziej, C. P., DelVescovo, D., Ross, T. G., “Improvements to a CFR Engine Three Pressure Analysis GT Power Model for HCCI and SI Conditions”, The 25th Small Engine Technology Conference, JSAE, 2019-32-0608, 2019
  • Salih, S., DelVescovo, D., Kolodziej, C.P., Rockstroh, T., Hoth, A., “Defining the Boundary Conditions of the CFR Engine Under RON Conditions for Knock Prediction and Robust Chemical Mechanism Validation”, ASME 2018 Internal Combustion Fall Technical Conference, November, 2018, San Diego, CA
  • Salih, S., DelVescovo, D., “Design and Validation of a GT Power Model of the CFR Engine towards the Development of a Boosted Octane Number,” SAE Technical Paper 2018-01-0214, 2018