GANESH: A GUI Approach to SI Engine Simulation

Abstract

This paper is mainly concerned with the simulation of a four-stroke SI engine processes. To this effect a numerical approach has been followed and this has resulted in the development of a software by the name GANESH. It is an acronym that stands for Graphical And Numerical Engine Software Hub. The results are obtained by solving appropriate process governing equations and presented in the form of animated graphs and data. The software is developed using Visual C++ and OpenGL. The proposed approach for analysis involves step-by-step procedure in developing various models. For a four-stroke spark ignition engine, ideal Otto cycle provides the foundation. Assuming fuel-air mixture as working fluid modifies the analysis bringing fuel into account. This allows fuel vaporisation effect as well as instantaneous adiabatic combustion. Intake and exhaust stroke is modeled in a simplified manner. As a next step the progressive combustion analysis has been carried out. To determine burning rate three empirical models are considered in the analysis. The intake and exhaust stroke analysis are modelled by taking into consideration gas exchange process. Detailed gas exchange analysis tries to determine exact mass of the working fluid at the start of the compression stroke. The heat transfer between the working fluid and cylinder surface is by forced convection which is taken care of by empirical correlations. Empirical relations available in the literature are used to determine the loss due to friction. Thus all processes involved in a four-stroke SI engine are simulated and the user friendly software can be used with ease and it will be particularly useful for getting results which will reduce the development time.