The 3-Zone Extended Coherent Flamelet Model (ECFM3Z) from IFP Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN) is the product of more than 20 years of research and validation. During that time it has established itself as one of the most widely used combustion models for internal combustion engines, with a reputation for accurate results and fast runtimes. Now, thanks to a collaboration between IFPEN and Convergent Science, the ECFM3Z is available to users of the CONVERGE computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software.
The latest release of CONVERGE, version 2.3.14, has been carefully optimized to support the model. This release brings together the efficient, user-friendly features of CONVERGE and the powerful capabilities of ECFM3Z for both compression ignition and spark ignition modeling.
"Many of our customers have extensive experience using ECFM3Z as their primary combustion modeling tool," explains Dr. Kelly Senecal, vice president and co-founder of Convergent Science. "Now our customers can continue to take advantage of the ease of use of CONVERGE while benefiting from IFPEN's many years of modeling expertise."
The unique Adaptive Mesh Refinement feature in CONVERGE automatically optimizes the mesh density throughout the simulation. By regenerating the mesh at each time-step, the code is able to increase the cell density in critical areas while reducing it elsewhere to improve efficiency. The end result is an unparalleled blend of speed and accuracy.
The ECFM3Z offers users an accurate and reliable means of modeling combustion without incurring the computational expense of using a detailed chemistry solver. The ECFM3Z joins IFPEN's advanced Imposed Stretch Spark Ignition model (ISSIM), which was also recently added to CONVERGE. The ISSIM provides a powerful tool for simulating the spark ignition process.
Another new feature brought to CONVERGE in collaboration with IFPEN is the Tabulated Kinetic Ignition (TKI) model, which is used to simulate diesel ignition and gasoline auto-ignition or knock.
"The TKI tables work by tabulating the ignition process from a detailed chemical mechanism," explains Dr. Senecal. "By tabulating the ignition before the simulation, it is not necessary to solve the complex chemical mechanism during the run itself."
CONVERGE benefits from the very latest iterations of these models. More importantly, by working in direct partnership with the scientists at IFPEN, Convergent Science's software developers have been able to optimize the use of the models within the code. This ongoing collaboration means that new features will be added and improvements will be made as research continues.
"IFPEN has been at the forefront of model development for many years. This partnership will provide our users with some of the most accurate and efficient combustion and aftertreatment models available," Dr. Senecal concludes. "The combination of CONVERGE's industry-leading CFD technology and IFPEN's advanced models will take us one step closer to fully predictive CFD."