Flow Field Parametric Interpolation Using a Proper Orthogonal Decomposition: Application to the Variable Valve Timing Effect on a Tumble In-cylinder Miller Engine Mean Flow

The current article presents a method to reconstruct the mean velocity field of a cyclic flow for an input parameter value that has not been measured, allowing for the number of tests to be reduced. It is applied to the tumble flow of a gasoline engine following a Miller cycle. New engines often include variable valve timing (VVT) systems to maximize the efficiency of such over-expanded cycles for different operating points. The reconstruction was thus carried out using different offset values of the intake valve lift timing. Experimental data were collected from a transparent engine in an early intake valve closing (EIVC) configuration using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The mean velocity field reconstruction was based on the interpolation of the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) coefficients. The accuracy of the method was evaluated at different points by comparing the interpolated and the measured flow fields. The accuracy was estimated by calculating the error in the rotation rate of the tumble and the position of its center of rotation. The new mean velocity field set allowed for the position of the tumble's center of rotation to be closely tracked according to the input parameter and a rotation rate map to be made. Some results on Miller's cycle could thus be found and the data generated could guide future developments.

Automated summary

This study presents a method to reconstruct the mean velocity field of a cyclic flow for an input parameter value that has not been measured, reducing the number of tests needed. The method was applied to a gasoline engine following a Miller cycle, using experimental data collected with PIV and interpolation of POD coefficients. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by comparing interpolated and measured flow fields, allowing for close tracking of the tumble's center of rotation and the creation of a rotation rate map for future developments.