The Internal Combustion Engine at Work: Modeling Considers All Factors

Livermore scientists have been modeling the inner workings of the internal combustion engine for almost 25 years. They developed HCT (hydrodynamics, chemistry, and transport), a chemical kinetics code, specifically for modeling the combustion process. Combustion modeling is invaluable for several projects today. For the Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition engine, a cross between the spark-ignition and diesel engines, modeling is helping to determine the best way to control ignition timing, which is now the limiting factor for the engine. Modeling was important in developing the Plasma-Assisted Catalytic Reduction process for treating emissions from diesel engines; it determined what the plasma can and cannot do. Yet another project is using the HCT code to simulate ignition and unburned hydrocarbon production in advanced diesel engines running on oxygenated fuels.

Research Highlights

Multilayers Illuminate the Sun's Secrets

Of Mice and Men

Experiment Mimics Nature's Way with Plasmas

and LLNL Disclaimers

UCRL-52000