Thermal modelling of modern engines: A review of empirical correlations to estimate the in-cylinder heat transfer coefficient

C A Finol, K Robinson

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69 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Over the last 40 years, several empirical correlations have been developed to estimate heat fluxes from the combustion chambers of internal combustion engines. Some of these expressions are based on correlations to compute the Nusselt number for forced convection in turbulent flow inside circular tubes. The fundamental suitability of this kind of empirical model in representing the highly complex processes of in-cylinder heat transfer is questionable, but in practice the models have steadily improved owing to contributions from numerous investigators. Other correlations have a less theoretical basis than those of the Nusselt number form. Formulae of this type have been obtained from the application of simple statistical techniques to large datasets, taking into account several engine operational parameters and engine types. The resulting correlations provide reasonable estimates but perform poorly when extrapolated or applied to novel concepts. In this paper, the most important correlations are reviewed against the features of a modern diesel engine, and research requirements for future modelling developments are identified and discussed. © IMechE 2006.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1765-1781
Number of pages17
JournalProceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering
Volume220
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006

Keywords

  • Nusselt number
  • Turbulent flow
  • Heat flux
  • Mathematical models
  • Combustion chambers
  • Heat transfer coefficients
  • Diesel engines

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