Master Thesis - Modelling of Boiling in Engine Coolant Jacket for better CFD Simulations

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[2 students]

Background
In heavy-duty diesel engines, localized high-temperature regions within the coolant jacket can induce nucleate boiling. Under typical operating conditions, this boiling is within the partial boiling regime and is localized, with vapor bubbles forming near hot surfaces and subsequently condensing in the bulk liquid. This process significantly enhances heat transfer, enabling effective cooling of critical engine components. The phenomenon has been extensively studied within the context of internal combustion engines [1,2,3], and notably through the doctoral project titled “Subcooled Boiling Flow in Liquid-Cooled Internal Combustion Engines” [4]. A key contribution from this research is the development of the Blended Boiling Model, which has been successfully implemented and validated in passenger car engine simulations using Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) approaches [5].

Objective:
The primary aim of this thesis is to adapt and implement the Blended Boiling Model within a CHT framework for a heavy-duty diesel engine. This involves implementing the model in both single-phase and multiphase flow simulations.

Methodology
•    Baseline Data: Utilize an existing CHT simulation setup of a heavy-duty diesel engine as the starting point.
•    Model Implementation: Integrate the Blended Boiling Model into the simulation environment, using Simcenter Star-CCM+.
•    Model Comparison: Benchmark the Blended Boiling Model against other available boiling models within Star-CCM+.
•    Calibration: Carefully calibrate empirical constants within the model (using available test data) to balance numerical stability and accuracy.
•    Parametric Study: Investigate the influence of key parameters—such as coolant pressure, flow rate, and temperature—on nucleate boiling heat transfer, leveraging available engine test data for validation.

Expected Outcomes
•    A validated implementation of the Blended Boiling Model tailored for heavy-duty diesel engine cooling systems.
•    Insights into the impact of operational parameters on nucleate boiling heat transfer.

Required Skills
•    Knowledge in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Heat transfer is required through relevant courses
•    Familiarity with UNIX environment.
•    Experience with Star-CCM+ is beneficial.
•    Scripting skills in Java (for macro development and model customization) are advantageous but not mandatory.
•    Familiarity with Bash or Python scripting for process automation is beneficial but not essential.

Reference
[1] Steiner, H., Brenn, G., Ramstorfer, F., & Breitschädel, B. (2011). Increased cooling power with nucleate boiling flow in automotive engine applications. New trends and developments in automotive system engineering, 249-272.
[2] Robinson, K., Campbell, N. A. F., Hawley, J. G., & Tilley, D. G. (1999). A review of precision engine cooling.
[3] Hu, X., Wang, Y., Li, S., Sun, Q., Bai, S., Li, G., & Sun, K. (2021). Assessment of the application of subcooled fluid boiling to diesel engines for heat transfer enhancement. Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, 17(6), 1049.
[4] Vasudevan, S. (2022). Subcooled boiling flow in liquid-cooled internal combustion engines. Chalmers Tekniska Hogskola (Sweden).
[5] Vasudevan, S., & Bovo, M. (2023). Subcooled Flow Boiling in High Power Density Internal Combustion Engines II. SAE International Journal of Engines, 16(1), 35-48.

Contact
Hampus Martinsson (hampus.martinsson@volvo.com)
Johan Abrahamsson (johan.abrahamsson.2@volvo.com)
Sudharsan Vasudevan (Sudharsan.vasudevan@volvo.com)

Application information: 
We are looking for two students to conduct this master thesis. Please apply no later than the 1st of November. 

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail. 

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