TCC-III Engine Benchmark for Large-Eddy Simulation of IC Engine Flows

A collaborative effort is described to benchmark the TCC-III engine, and to illustrate the application of this data for the evaluation of sub-grid scale models and valve simulation details on the fidelity of Large-Eddy Simulations (LES). The TCC-III is a spark ignition 4-stroke 2-valve engine with a flat head and piston and is equipped with a full quartz liner for maximum optical access that allows high-speed flow measurements with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV); the TCC-III has new valve seats and a modified intake-system compared to previous configurations. This work is an extension of a previous study at an engine speed of 800 RPM and an intake manifold pressure (MAP) of 95 kPa, where a one-equation eddy viscosity LES model yielded accurate qualitative and quantitative predictions of ensemble averaged mean and RMS velocities during the intake and compression stroke. Here, experimental data were acquired with parametric variation of engine speed and intake manifold absolute pressure to assess the capability of LES models over a range of operating conditions of practical relevance. This paper focuses on the repeatability and accuracy of the measured PIV data, acquired at 1 300 RPM, at two different MAP (95 kPa and 40 kPa), and imaged at multiple data planes and crank angles. Two examples are provided, illustrating the application of this data to LES model development. In one example, the experimental data are used to distinguish between the efficacies of a one-equation eddy viscosity model versus a dynamic structure one-equation model for the sub-grid stresses. The second example addresses the effects of numerical intake-valve opening strategy and local mesh refinement in the valve curtain.