Dr.-Ing. Fabian Hagen
M.Sc. Sebastian Knapp
M.Sc.Brijesh Kinkhabwala

Students of chemical engineering/process engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or chemistry interested in simulation work and a basic knowledge about internal combustion engines.

Location: CS

Motivation:

Knowledge of flow conditions and associated surface temperature profiles within technical systems is of great relevance in the context of numerous development issues. In engineering, fluid mechanical questions are often answered numerically using 3D CFD simulations, as they provide detailed information about complex flow phenomena.

For example, the properties of flow and component temperatures play a central role in engine development. In addition to thermal load capacity, efficient and reliable operational management of exhaust gas aftertreatment systems and exhaust gas-carrying components must also be ensured. Potential damage caused by flow- and temperature-dependent phenomena must be avoided. Knowledge of these influencing variables is crucial during cold engine starts in order to prevent increased condensate and deposit formation.

Task:

In this master's thesis, which is a joint work with the Institute of Internal Combustion Engines at KIT, temperatures along the exhaust tract of a combustion engine are to be modeled using 3D CFD simulation. In a first step, a generic engine model is to be implemented in a 3D CFD software (Converge or Ansys), which realistically represents the boundary conditions.

The subsequent validation of the model will take place on the climate test bench at the Institute of Internal Combustion Engines, where realistic cold start conditions are set. The model set up as part of the master's thesis shall be used to localize positions along the exhaust tract that are critical with regard to condensate formation (especially during cold starts). Furthermore, an influence analysis is to be carried out (e.g. modeling of the material thickness) in order to identify avoidance strategies for condensate and deposit formation.

Responsible:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dimosthenis Trimis